New Normal proves uncatchable in Natalma

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – New Normal went right to the front under Javier Castellano and never looked back to take the Grade 3, $201,200 Natalma Stakes at Woodbine on Saturday.

With the victory, New Normal ($15.80) gained inclusion into the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf Nov. 5 at Churchill Downs , as part of the Win and You’re In program.

New Normal set moderate fractions of 23.92 and 47.92 seconds, over a course labeled good, in the one-mile route. More Than Real, the 4-5 favorite, saved ground while racing four lengths off the lead, and then rallied wide in the stretch, but New Normal held on to prevail by 1 1/2 lengths, in a time of 1:36.51. Street Chimes checked in third after a stalking trip in the eight-horse field.

Trainer Mark Frostad said Castellano was impressed with New Normal, and that the Breeders’ Cup is on her agenda.

“Javier told me he waited as long as possible, before he really asked her,” said Frostad. “She responded nicely.”

The unbeaten Roxy Gap, who was the morning-line favorite off her decisive score in the allowance prep for the Natalma, was scratched because she spiked a temperature Saturday morning, according to trainer Mark Casse.

“It’s bad timing, but our main concern is her,” said Casse. “If she’s okay, we’ll look to the Mazarine, and then hopefully, we can set our sights on getting to the Breeders’ Cup.”

The Grade 3 Mazarine is 1 1/16-mile stakes for 2-year-old fillies here Oct. 9.