Muskoka Wonder closes stoutly to win Clarendon Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – The big powerhouse Muskoka Wonder mowed down the favored Crawl From the Bar in late stretch to capture Sunday’s $125,000 Clarendon Stakes under Patrick Husbands at Woodbine.

Muskoka Wonder ($6.60) rallied wide from fourth in the five-horse field to prevail by 1 1/2 lengths in 1:04.47 for the 5 1/2 furlongs. Crawl From the Bar set honest fractions before weakening, as Moon Swings closed belatedly to secure third over Souper Hot. The Newfie Express trailed.

It was the sixth triumph in the Clarendon for trainer Mark Casse and the eighth win in the race for Husbands.

“He has a big stride,” said Husbands. “He does everything right.”

An Ontario-bred son of Into Mischief, Muskoka Wonder banked $75,000 and is unbeaten in two starts for Conrad Farms.