Kate's Kingdom gets past Our Flash Drive in final strides of Ontario Matron

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Kentucky shipper Kate’s Kingdom overhauled the favored Our Flash Drive in the final strides to take the $152,800 Ontario Matron Stakes on Saturday at Woodbine.

Kate’s Kingdom ($18.40) trailed early and then enjoyed clear sailing while closing along the rail in the 1 1/16-mile event for fillies and mares.

After steadying on the first turn, Our Flash Drive hit the front early in the stretch to assume command, before Kate’s Kingdom came motoring down the outside under Antonio Gallardo to score by a half-length, in a time of 1:41.94.

Broadway Lady finished a distant third while a neck in front of 5-2 second choice Dreaming of Drew in the 10-horse field.

Gallardo was also aboard for Kate’s Kingdom’s third here in the Grade 3 Trillium in August, when things didn’t go smoothly for the daughter of Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom.

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“Today, I had a really good trip,” Gallardo said. “The first time here, I didn’t have the same luck. I had a really bad trip. There was no pace and I didn’t know her. I was too far behind, clipping heels. I had to go seven-wide. Today, I wanted to be a little more aggressive and closer to the pace. I really like her. I knew for sure she could do it today.”

A 4-year-old Kentucky-bred, Kate’s Kingdom banked $90,000 for owner Stephen Screnci.

It was second victory in the Grade 3 Ontario Matron for trainer Armando De La Cerda, who sent out La Tia to romp in the race in 2014. He said Kate’s Kingdom could run back in the Grade 3 Maple Leaf over 1 1/4 miles here Nov. 12.

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