Majestic Wisdom captures Achievement Handicap

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Majestic Wisdom, the longest shot in the five-horse field, overhauled 1-5 favorite Wando nearing the wire to capture the $161,100 Achievement Handicap at Woodbine Sunday.

Majestic Wisdom, ridden by Constant Montpellier, and Wando stalked the pace in the six-furlong dash, as Shipman and Biddy's Lad battled through fractions of :22.11 and :45.40 seconds.

Wando made a three-wide bid for the lead at the quarter pole, and hit the front at the top of the stretch, but gradually gave way to Majestic Wisdom, who prevailed by a neck in a time of 1:11.06 seconds.

Biddy's Lad finished a well-beaten third in the prep for June 22 Queen's Plate, which was restricted to Canadian-bred 3-year-olds.

Montpellier felt Majestic Wisdom's fitness edge over Wando, who was making his seasonal debut, played an important role in the outcome.

"I was stuck in between runners (on the turn)," said Montpellier, "and was just waiting to angle him out. I had a lot of horse, and he gave me a good run. He ran a couple of races over the winter, and I think that makes a big difference here at this time of year."

Majestic Wisdom ($45.60) earned $96,660 in his first stakes triumph for owner Majestic Thoroughbreds and trainer Chantal Paquette.