Just Be Kind catches Let It Ride Mom in Ontario Debutante

ETOBICOKE, Ontario — Just Be Kind caught the favored Let It Ride Mom in the final strides to post a 6-1 upset in Saturday’s $128,500 Ontario Debutante Stakes at Woodbine.

Just Be Kind stalked the leaders on the outside on the backstretch in the six-furlong sprint, and then loomed four wide on the turn behind Let It Ride Mom and the hard-ridden second choice, Ghostly Presence. Let It Ride Mom assumed command early in the stretch, but Just Be Kind kicked in strongly and mowed her down to prevail by a neck, in a time of 1:10.21.

Happy Is Lucky closed belatedly to finish a distant third. Historical Tablet edged out a fading Ghostly Presence for fourth in the six-horse field of 2-year-old fillies.

Jim McAleney got a leg up from trainer Reade Baker on Just Be Kind, who won her debut in a five-furlong maiden special from off the pace.

“She was a little sharper today, which was expected for a second-time starter,” McAleney said. “She’s really unique. She’s so professional. In her works, she takes care of herself, and yet, she shows up here in the afternoon a consummate pro. In the turn, I was able to give her a bit of a breather, which was necessary to do if I wanted to win the race. I had confidence and faith in this filly. When I called on her at the head of the stretch, I just loved the response I got.”
Just Be Kind banked $75,000 for the partnership of Jus Luk Stables, Rich Mah and the Reade Baker Racing Stable.