La Tia threatens track record winning Ontario Matron
ETOBICOKE, Ontario—La Tia, the favored Arlington invader, flirted with the track record for 1 1/16 mile s on Polytrack in her authoritative score in the $155,800 Ontario Matron Stakes at Woodbine on Saturday.
La Tia led throughout the Grade 3 event under Justin Stein, setting fractions of 24.42 seconds, 48.36, and 1:12.62. She drew off in the stretch to prevail by 6 1/4 lengths, in 1:42.70, which was .48 of a second off the record.
Royal Fury was along for second, and Northern Passion edged out stablemate Spring in the Air for third in the quality nine-horse field.
La Tia ($6.70) banked $90,000 for owner Salvador Hernandez.
La Tia won the La Lorgnette Stakes under Stein here in 2012. She also checked in fourth in last year’s Grade 2 Canadian, a race she could back for in September, according to trainer Armando De la cerda, who is also considering the Grade 1 Beverly D. at Arlington for her on Aug. 16.
Conquest Tsunami romps in Colin
Conquest Tsunami toyed with his two rivals in the $157,250 Colin Stakes, winning the six-furlong dash for 2-year-olds by 6 3/4 lengths over R U Watchingbud, who edged out Honkeytonk Man for second.
Conquest Tsunami ($2.10) covered the distance in 1:10.22 under Patrick Husbands, and earned $103,500 for Conquest Stable and trainer Mark Casse.
“He could have won easier than that,” said Husbands. “Mark has been taking it very easy with him. He leaves there running and wants to beat everybody, even in the morning. He’s one of the best [2-year-old] colts I’ve been on so far.”
Due to three scratches, there was only win and exacta betting on the race.