Higher World victorious in Mazarine Breeders' Cup

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Favored Higher World held 8-1 shot Didycheatamandowe at bay throughout the stretch to notch her first stakes in Sunday's Grade 2 at Woodbine.

Higher World led throughout the mile and a sixteenth test for 2-year-old fillies, getting fractions of :24.47 and :49.42 seconds under Patrick Husbands. Dancehall Deelites stalked in second, while a closing Didycheatamandhowe loomed boldly on the far turn.

Higher World had plenty left in reserve after the slow pace, and prevailed by a neck in a final time of 1:47.99 seconds. Dancehall Deelites faded in the stretch, ending up a distant third in the nine-horse field.

"She had everything her way," said Husbands. "She had her ears pricked, and when (Didycheatamandhowe) came to her, she pinned her ears and fought that filly off."

Higher World ($5) banked $167,250 of the $278,780 purse for Seasoft Stable.

Trainer Mark Casse said there is an outside chance that Higher World will make her next start in the Oct. 30 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Lone Star.