Lahaleeb scores at $90.70 in E.P. Taylor

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Lahaleeb, the longest shot a field of eight fillies and mares, burst onto the scene in midstretch and drew off for a 1 3/4-length victory in Saturday's Grade 1, $1,001,200

here at Woodbine.

Lahaleeb, one of three 3-year-old fillies in the field along with Rainbow View and Eastern Aria, returned $90.70, the highest winning payoff in the 54-year history of the E.P. Taylor.

Ridden by William Buick, Lahaleeb tracked a slow early pace contested by Roses 'n' Wine and Treat Gently while racing sixth into the far turn.

When the leaders began to falter, the 2-1 favorite Rainbow View began rallying toward the front but Lahaleeb had a stronger late kick and finished in a respectable 2:02.89 over 1 1/4 miles of firm going.

"She had to step up over what she'd done," said Buick. "But I rode her here two days ago, and she was in top form."

Princess Haya closed for third money at 7-1 while Eastern Aria came on for fourth at 18-1.

Salve Germania, Treat Gently, Look Here, and Roses 'n' Wine completed the order of finish.

Trained in England by Mick Shannon and saddled here by his son and assistant, Mick Shannon Jr., Lahaleeb was recording the most important win of her career and collected $600,000 for owners Mohammed Al-Qatami and Khalid Al-Mudaf.

Her E.P. Taylor victory earned Lahaleeb a guaranteed berth in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf but she would have to be supplemented to the race.

The exacta returned $310.00, the trifecta $1,712.40, and the superfecta $12,414.00 for a winning $2 ticket.