Il Malocchio surprises with triumph in Victorian Queen

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Longshot Il Malocchio graduated in style Sunday at Woodbine, winning the $100,000 Victorian Queen Stakes in her third start under an astute ride from Sahin Civaci.

Il Malocchio saved ground in a stalking position near a fast pace set by Sunspite in the 7 1/2-furlong inner turf event for Ontario-sired 2-year-old fillies.

Il Malocchio split rivals entering the stretch, and then collared Sunsprite in the final sixteenth en route to a 2 3/4-length score, in a time of 1:30.87.

Howmuchistoomuch rallied outside for third in the eight-horse field. The favored Mum’s the Word finished fifth after missing the break and racing wide.

“I think I was in the perfect spot,” Civaci said. “I just had a great trip. In the mornings, this horse showed me a lot of heart. She showed it in the afternoon as well. I kept her covered up on the rail. I saw one of the (leaders) getting tired, and so I took advantage of that and split horses. She likes running down the lane. She kicks down the lane really hard.”

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Trained by Marty Drexler, Il Malocchio gave owner-breeder Franco Meli his first stakes victory. The daughter of Souper Speedy collected $60,000 and returned $25 to win.

Avoman earned his diploma from off the pace in the male version of the Victorian Queen, the $100,000 Bull Page Stakes, in just his second start under Justin Stein.

Avoman ($15.10) earned $60,000 for the partnership of trainer Donnie MacRae and La Huerta Inc. He covered the 7 ½ furlongs on the inner turf in 1:31.78.

“He was a bit aggressive,” Stein said. “I had him early, and then going into the first turn setting up, he grabbed the bit for a second and I just had to coach him along and tell him to chill for a little bit. He’s a baby, and he’s coming around. He did a lot today. He showed that he’s a quality horse.”

All Canadian finished 1 1/2 lengths back in second in the eight-horse field. The favored Dragon’s Brew was along for third after racing five-wide all the way.