Nobals makes Woodstock third consecutive triumph

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - The gelded Chicago shipper Nobals ran them off their feet in Sunday’s $128,250 Woodstock Stakes at Woodbine, winning the six-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds easily in a hand-timed 1:08.15, which replaced the erroneous posted final time of 1:07.26.

Nobals ($5) broke a tad slowly from the one-hole before rushing up to set a quick pace into the wind under Rafael Hernandez. Ironstone chased Nobals until the top of the stretch, where Nobals began to draw away to prevail by 2 3/4 lengths over a closing All in Sync.

Ironstone, the 5-2 second choice, finished another three lengths back in third. He was followed by Determined Kingdom, Unraptured, Silent Runner and Victory Jet.

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One Timer was scratched by Larry Rivelli, the trainer of Nobals. Doctor Jeff was withdrawn by trainer Rudy Rodriguez.

“He was ready to break, but there was a problem with horse number nine loading,” Hernandez said. “He laid back a little bit, and when they opened the gate, he missed half-a-length, but as soon as he put his four legs in the ground, you can see the time.”

The Woodstock was the third consecutive victory for Nobals, who earned $75,000 for Patricia’s Hope LLC. The son of Noble Mission won his two previous starts in stakes over Turfway’s Tapeta.