Involuntary won't be denied in Flaming Page Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Involuntary ($3.80) proved to be a determined winner of Friday’s $100,000 Flaming Page Stakes at Woodbine, over a host of shippers including the Maryland-based Happyness.

Belle de Nuit led until early on the far turn in the about 1 1/2-mile turf marathon, where Involuntary hit the front while cruising along comfortably. Happyness took dead aim at Involuntary at the quarter pole, but Involuntary held her at bay throughout the long stretch to win by a head, in a final time of 2:29.38.

Gary Boulanger rode Involuntary, a daughter of City Zip, who banked $60,000 for Stronach Stables and trainer Josie Carroll.

“She’s been a game filly this whole season,” said Boulanger. “She’s shown a lot of character, trying to teach her to relax. Josie’s team has done a great job with her. Her and I kind of get along. She’s pretty easy to handle now. She got a little hot today, but when you call on her, she gives you everything she has. We were running down the lane pretty hard.”

Moonlight Sky finished nearly four lengths back in third. She was followed by Giovanna Blues, Sardinia, Rachel Wall and Belle de Nuit, who was eased without being in any distress.