Nobals repeats with Kennedy Road victory

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Favored Nobals won the Grade 2 Kennedy Road for the second year in a row in a tumultuous finish under Rafael Hernandez on a rainy Saturday at Woodbine.

Western Whirl led the way in the six-furlong sprint while being pressed by Reload’s Rascal through quick fractions, as Nobals saved ground in third through the turn.

Hernandez angled Nobals three-wide for the drive and they made the lead in midstretch before holding on for a half-length score, in a time of 1:09.85.

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Lucky Score, who cleared $1 million in Canadian earnings in the race, rallied from far back for second before being disqualified for causing interference to the two rivals to his inside in late stretch.

Awesome Bourbon, who ran the race of his life, was placed second and Society’s Thunder was promoted to third while Lucky Score was demoted to fourth. Western Whirl faded to fifth, ahead of a trailing Reload’s Rascal.

The Kennedy Road was the meet-leading 21st stakes score for Hernandez, who was riding Nobals for the fifth time for trainer Larry Rivelli.

“It set up perfect,” Hernandez said. “This horse loves this track. Larry is an excellent trainer. They make the job easy - when you can do whatever you want with the horse. He has a lot of class.”

Nobals ($3.80) earned $105,000 of the $178,150 purse for owner Patricia’s Hope. The Chicago-based 6-year-old by Noble Mission is best known for capturing the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita.

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