Modern Games romps in Woodbine Mile, becomes first 3-year-old to win race

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - The accomplished English runner Modern Games aired by 5 1/4 lengths over Ivar in Saturday’s $1 million Woodbine Mile, while earning a fees-paid berth to the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Keeneland in November.

William Buick, who won the Grade 1 Summer earlier on the card on Mysterious Night, had Modern Games racing five lengths off an honest pace set by Get Smokin.

Modern Games sought a clear path between rivals on the turn, and then cut Shirl’s Speight off entering the stretch as Buick made his way to the outside. Modern Games made the lead nearing the eighth pole and then drew off impressively to prevail in a time of 1:32.77, about a second off Wise Dan’s course record of 1:31.73.

Modern Games was given a Beyer Speed Figure of 112.

Ivar got away slowly before rallying to secure second by a neck over Finest Sound. Shirl’s Speight, Town Cruise, Mighty Heart, Wakanaka, March to the Arch, War Bomber, Get Smokin, and Homer Screen completed the order of finish.

Modern Games ($3.50) is the first 3-year-old to win the Woodbine Mile.

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“He was very comfortable throughout,” Buick said. “The pace good - even throughout the race. I just had to figure out a route, but he had plenty of horse. He was brave when he had to be.”

Buick said the Irish-bred son of Dubawi, who won the Group 1 French 2000 Guineas in June, has improved since his victory in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile last fall at Del Mar.

“He’s gotten bigger and he’s a very strong horse,” Buick said. “Not that he wasn’t last year, but he’s gotten bigger and stronger this year. He just retains all the ability in the world. He’s a real fast-ground specialist. The faster the ground, the better for him. When he changes gears, he’s got a lot of speed. He’s a real fast miler.”

Modern Games earned $600,000 for owner-breeder Godolphin and trainer Charlie Appleby, who also campaign Mysterious Night, who won the Summer Stakes earlier in the day.