Lockout rallies to win Connaught Cup

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Lockout rallied from the back of the pack under a textbook ride from Gary Boulanger to take the Grade 2, $212,800 Connaught Cup Stakes at Woodbine on Saturday.

Over a rain-softened course labeled as good, River Seven dueled with lukewarm favorite Excaper through moderate fractions in the seven-furlong turf sprint. Phil’s Dream saved ground in third, while Lockout hugged the rail in a trailing position on the turn.

Phil’s Dream joined the leaders early in the stretch, where Boulanger angled Lockout to the outside. Lockout then kicked in strongly to prevail by a length in 1:22.64.

River Seven outran Excaper for third in a field reduced to seven after the scratches of Something Extra, Golden Sabre, and Chart Topper.

Lockout ($10.70) earned $120,000. The win gave owner John Oxley, trainer Mark Casse, and Boulanger a sweep of the two turf stakes run at the meet so far. They won the Grade 2 Nassau with Sky Treasure last Saturday.