Lexie Lou romps by 4 1/2 lengths in Woodbine Oaks

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Lexie Lou ($8.50) romped in Sunday’s $500,400 Woodbine Oaks under Patrick Husbands, who said that blinkers off was a key to victory in the 59th running of the prestigious Canadian-bred 3-year-old filly stakes.

Lexie Lou tracked her stablemate, Wild Catomine, who set honest fractions of 23.25 seconds, 47.98, and 1:12.25 under Gary Boulanger in the nine-furlong route. Lexie Lou joined Wild Catomine on the lead on the far turn before drawing off to score by 4 1/2 lengths in 1:49.77.

Wild Catomine finished a clear second over Llanarmon, who outran the 2-1 favorite, Paladin Bay, for third in the nine-horse field.

Lexie Lou was exiting a close third behind Wild Catomine in the seven-furlong Fury Stakes, which was her first start for owner Gary Barber and trainer Mark Casse. Barber had purchased her from owner-trainer John Ross.

“Last time when I rode her, she never relaxed at all,” Husbands said. “With no blinkers on today, she relaxed. I didn’t want to go head and head, and I asked [Boulanger] what he was going to do, and he said he was probably going to put his filly on the lead, depending on how she breaks. [Lexie Lou] was happy today.”

Lexie Lou earned $300,000, which boosted her bankroll to $649,250. She figures to start next in the $1 million Queen’s Plate here July 6, according to assistant trainer Kathryn Sullivan.