Hollinger makes case for Sovereign

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Heavily favored Hollinger overcame major traffic problems to take the at Woodbine on Sunday.

Hollinger assumed a stalking position along the rail in the nine-furlong test for 2-year-olds, as Stormy Lord set moderate fractions. Hollinger made three attempts to bid inside the leader, but was blocked until the final sixteenth, when he split foes and then got up to win by a half-length in 1:51.55.

Stormy Lord held second by a neck over D's Wando, who edged out Ghost Fleet for third in the seven-horse field of Canadian-breds.

Tyler Pizarro rode Hollinger for Hall of Fame trainer Roger Attfield.

"They boxed me in at the three-eighths pole," said Pizarro. "I was on the horse to beat, and they all rode a beautiful race. I got one little crack, and I said 'Let's go,' and he wasn't hesitant. He just loves to run."

Hollinger ($2.80) probably locked up the Sovereign Award for champion 2-year-old in the Coronation, which was his fourth win in as many starts. He earned $150,000 for the partnership of Bob Harvey and Al Wortzman.