Heavenly Curlin powers home in Maple Leaf Stakes

ETOBICOKE Ontario – Heavenly Curlin kept her Tapeta roll going in Saturday’s Grade 3 Maple Leaf Stakes at Woodbine, winning with authority with Rafael Hernandez riding for trainer Mark Casse.

Heavenly Curlin ($7.60) bided her time near the back of the 10-horse field early, as longshots Auntie Katherine and Juliana duked it out through quick fractions in the 1 1/4-mile event.

Juliana assumed command on the far turn, while the favored Art of Almost and Heavenly Curlin were in the midst of their wide bids. Heavenly Curlin blew by Art of Almost to take control entering the stretch, and then drew away for a 5 3/4-length score, in a time of 2:03.24.

Peace Seeker finished third at 18-1. She was followed by Elizabeth Way, Juliana, Gun Society, Tappitty Tappitty, A Broken Breeze, Silent Tango, and Auntie Katherine.

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“It was the first time I got on her,” Hernandez said. “She impressed me when I turned her loose. It was unbelievable. We had a clear trip all the way.”

Heavenly Curlin had won her two previous starts on the Tapeta, both going 1 1/16 miles, against maidens and allowance types. The 3-year-old daughter of Curlin earned $75,000 of the $126,300 purse for owners Gary Barber and John Oxley.