Leigh Court returns with strong win in Seaway Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Reigning Canadian champion 3-year-old filly Leigh Court made a triumphant return to competition in Sunday’s Grade 3, $155,600 Seaway Stakes at Woodbine.

Leigh Court ($4.60) set moderate fractions over a speed-friendly Polytrack in the seven-furlong contest. She opened up a 3 1/2-length cushion on the turn and then coasted home on top by 2 1/2 lengths, under a strong hand ride from Gary Boulanger. The final time was 1:22.27.

“I’ve never sent this filly,” Boulanger said. “She does that all on her own. It’s about keeping her happy, and we seem to click. Whatever the reason, we get along well.”

In her first outing in nearly 10 months, Leigh Court banked $90,000 for Melnyk Racing Stable and trainer Josie Carroll.

“She’s filled out a lot,” Carroll said. “Last year, she still looked like a baby, a 3-year-old. This year, she’s got a big rear end on her and has really gotten stronger.”

Toasting, a 12-1 shipper from Saratoga, edged out Spring in the Air for second, as Northern Passion rallied wide to end up fourth in the 10-horse field.