Highwaytothemoon handles two turns in Plate Trail
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ETOBICOKE, Ontario − Crack sprinter Highwaytothemoon made his first start around two turns a winning one in Sunday’s $201,500 Plate Trial Stakes at Woodbine, an important prep for next month’s $1 million King’s Plate.
Favored Casson went straight to the front in the 1 1/8-mile test for Canadian-bred 3-year-olds. He set a lively pace while being pressed by Powell River, as Highwaytothemoon raced along a very live rail in third.
Longshot Imyourmedicineman rallied four-wide into contention on the far turn and hit the front at the top of the stretch, after which Highwaytothemoon joined him on the lead to his inside. They duked it out for about a sixteenth of a mile before Highwaytothemoon edged away late to win by a length, in at time of 1:52.17.
Military Time rallied belatedly for third. He was followed by Casson, Don Ique, Baaeed Alynna, Powell River, Fire and Wine, Speights Will, Twentytwo Soles, and Amore Mio. Very Special was scratched at the gate.
Rafael Hernandez rode Highwaytothemoon ($10.30) for trainer Dale Desruisseaux.
“I wanted to get a good break and good position,” Hernandez said. “If they gave us the lead, we would make the pace. I made sure he was involved in the race and not to do too much. He was unbelievable. He showed me he has a big heart. He was on the bridle and when I asked him to go, he was ready. When I put him in the clear, he gave me everything he had.”
A gelded son of Ransom the Moon, Highwaytothemoon earned $120,000 for Centennial Farms (Niagara) Inc.
Vina Arana takes Nassau
Vina Arana ($6.20) was an impressive winner of the Grade 2, $200,000 Nassau for fillies and mares.
Quadruple ran off on the front end in the one-mile turf event, setting fast fractions before being overtaken on the far turn by a charging Vina Arana, who had saved ground early in sixth.
Vina Arana went on to score by four lengths over Equitas, in a time of 1:35.40 over the firm ground. Favored Sultana finished third and was followed by Bessie Abott, Fiery Lucy, and Quadruple.
Adam Beschizza rode the Kentucky shipper Vina Arana for trainer Jack Sisterson.
“The turns are a little tight and she handled it just fine,” Beschizza said. “I’d like to see what she can do maybe in a couple of months time on the main [turf here]. I think that would be more in her favor.”
Vina Arana, an Irish-bred by Make Believe, banked $120,000 for the partnership of Sterling Stables and MHM Stables.
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