Grazettes Landing proves game in Shepperton

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - After giving up the lead on the turn, Grazettes Landing battled back in the stretch to take the $126,200 Shepperton Stakes on Wednesday night at Woodbine.

Grazettes Landing ($10.10) set a slow opening quarter of 23.05 in the 6 1/2-furlong sprint, before Paso Doble made a bold bid for the lead through a half in 45.29. Grazettes Landing dug in through the stretch, and prevailed by three-quarters of a length in 1:16.16. Gypsy Ring finished second, and a wide-closing Dancer’s Bajan nailed Paso Doble on the wire for third. Favored Dancingall Theway trailed the eight-horse field of Ontario-sired runners.

Corey Fraser rode Grazettes Landing for trainer Mark Casse.

“Mark and I spoke before the race, and we agreed where he’d be - in a more forward position.” said Fraser. “It worked out that way. When [Paso Doble] came off the rail, it was plain and simple what I had to do, and he kicked on.”

Grazettes Landing collected $75,000 in his second stakes tally of the meet for owner/breeder Melnyk Racing Stable.