Hampstead Heath repeats in Halton Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Hampstead Heath ($14.90) won the $125,800 Halton Stakes for the second year in a row Wednesday night at Woodbine. The one-mile turf route was the first of six stakes on the card for graduates of local yearling sales.

Hampstead Heath rallied wide from the rear of a 10-horse field to collar the favored Star Contender in deep stretch for a three-quarter-length tally. David Moran rode the winner for trainer Pat Parente, who claimed the 6-year-old gelding for $62,500 last October.

“He was nice and relaxed, and we were going a nice gallop,” said Moran. “When I got him out, he quickened up and finished really strong to the wire.”

Melmich ($4.50) held the heavily favored Pender Harbour at bay throughout the $125,000 Elgin, winning the 1 1/16-mile route by two lengths in a quick 1:43.25. There was only win and exacta betting on the four-horse race, which had a depleted field due to three cross-entrants who ran in the Halton.

Shake Down Baby ($9.50) romped in the $201,200 Muskoka, a 6 1/2-furlong sprint for 2-year-old fillies. The favored Crumlin Spirit rallied wide to finish two lengths back in second in an 11-horse field. The Bill Tharrenos-trained Shake Down Baby was notching her first stakes win under Gerry Olguin.

Brooklynsway ($9.50) rallied along the rail under Emma-Jayne Wilson to take the $125,000 Algoma for fillies and mares for owner and trainer John Ross, who sent her out to win last year’s Muskoka. Galina Point finished a nose back in second after taking the overland route.

Rexton ($32.60) was sent to the lead by Jermaine Bridgmohan and never looked back to capture the $125,000 Kenora by a half-length over Bear No Joke. The six-furlong Kenora was the first stakes triumph for trainer John Mattine.

First-time starter Amis Gizmo ($12.20) edged out the favored Conquest Twister in the $201,200 Simcoe, for male 2-year-olds. Luis Contreras rode the winner for trainer Josie Carroll.