Gretzky the Great catches Into the Sunrise, wins Soaring Free Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario — Gretzky the Great isn’t the first horse named after hockey great Wayne Gretzky, but he’s probably the best after capturing Sunday’s $112,600 Soaring Free Stakes at Woodbine.

Into the Sunrise inherited an easy lead after the favored Ready to Repeat was rated into third in the 6 1/2-furlong turf sprint for 2-year-olds.
Gretzky the Great ($6.70) stalked in second before wearing down Into the Sunrise in the deep stretch to prevail by a neck, in a time of 1:13.83 over the firm ground.

Ready to Repeat closed the gap a little on end to finish another 1 1/4 lengths back in third. He was followed by Gospel Way and Exceed.

Kazushi Kimura rode Gretzky the Great for leading trainer Mark Casse. They are the leading jockey-trainer combo at the meet, with 17 wins from 96 starters.

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Gretzky the Great is the first stakes winner for freshman sire and Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist, who’s also named after a hockey star. Bred by Anderson Farms, the Ontario-bred earned $72,000 for owners Gary Barber and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners.