Hastings: Shrug holds on by a head in George Royal

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Shrug held off a determined Devil in Disguise to win the $50,000 George Royal Stakes by a head at Hastings on Sunday.

Shrug ($6.90) broke sharply with Frank Fuentes aboard and was allowed to set leisurely fractions of 22.84 and 46.21 seconds in the 6 ½-furlong feature. Devil in Disguise stalked the early pace, made a strong move on the stretch turn but couldn’t get past Shrug. Commander, who went off as the 6-5 favorite, was pinned down on the rail for most of the trip and finished third.

The final time was 1:16.59.

Shrug, owned by Swift Thoroughbreds Inc., was making his first start for trainer Dino Condilenios. He was trained in California by Carla Gaines.

“I have to give Carla a lot of credit because she sent me a horse that was in great condition,” said Condilenios.

The same connections won the George Royal last year with Almost Time.