Lorena digs in to win turf debut in Thunder Bay Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Favored Lorena made a smooth transition to turf racing when beating another first-time grasser, 10-1 shot Jilli Marie, in Friday’s $80,000 Thunder Bay Stakes for Ontario-sired 3-year-old fillies at Woodbine.

Over a course labeled good, Lorena dueled with Cleomenes through the turn before assuming command in the stretch. Jilli Marie was boxed in before making a bid to challenge Lorena for the lead in midstretch, but Loreno dug in prevail by 1 1/4 lengths, in a time of 1:25.54 for the seven furlongs.

Meet the Soprano closed for third. She was followed by Sunsprite, Cleomenes, and Dejas Too.

Gary Boulanger rode the Souper Speedy filly Lorena for trainer and co-owner Stuart Simon.

“She’s a determined filly,” Boulanger said. “When you put her in a battle, you [have to run big] to get by her. She handled the turf very well.”

Lorena ($4.40) earned $48,000 in her third stakes score and fourth win from seven starts.

Secret Reserve ($4.80) won Friday’s other seven-furlong Ontario-sired stakes, the $80,000 Lake Superior for male 3-year-olds, under a ground-saving ride from Rafael Hernandez.

Secret Reserve raced in third on the turn as Maakwa led the way with All Canadian in second.

Secret Reserve made his way into contention entering the stretch and then kicked in strongly along the rail to win by two lengths over a wide-closing Dragon’s Brew. The final time was 1:24.70.

Perfect Crime finished third, and Red River Rebel wound up fourth in the 10-horse field.

“It was a perfect trip,” said Hernandez, who was winning his 11th stakes at the meet, the most among all riders.

A son of Giant Gizmo trained by Mike Mattine, Secret Reserve banked $48,000 for the partnership of Carlo D’Amato and Stacey Van Camp.