Mobil wins Cup and Saucer

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Mobil held off a persistent Shoal Water in the stretch to take Saturday's $250,000 Cup and Saucer Stakes by a half-length at Woodbine.

Longshot Ballen Isle led through quick fractions while being tracked by a host of runners, including Shoal Water, in the 1 1/16-mile race for Canadian-bred 2-year-olds. Gavro, the 5-2 favorite, was checked heading into the turn behind the leaders, just as Mobil loomed into contention in a three-wide position.

Shoal Water inherited the lead at the top of the stretch, but was soon joined by Mobil, who went on to prevail in a time of 1:42.33 over yielding ground. Gavro closed to be third after lacking room early in the drive.

Jockey Todd Kabel said Mobil loafed on the lead after he hit the front.

"He's a big colt, and when he makes the lead he just loafs along," said Kabel. "When he hooked [Shoal Water], he was quite content to stay with him. I had lots of horse underneath me, and he got the job done."

Mobil ($8.50) earned $150,000 in his third straight victory for trainer Mike Keogh and owner Gustav Schickedanz.