Palladio gives track-record effort

Palladio lowered Woodbine's nine-furlong track record while capturing the Grade 3, $154,200 Durham Cup Stakes on Saturday.

Palladio ($13.60) took control from favored Monsoon Rain at the quarter pole, and then drew clear for a 1 3/4-length tally over Marchfield. Artie Hot finished third.

Richard Dos Ramos got a leg up from trainer Roger Attfield on Palladio, who covered the distance in 1:49.29.

Palladio broke the 1 1/8-mile Polytrack record of 1:49.55 set by Leonnatus Anteas in last year's Durham Cup.

"This horse had been training so good," said Dos Ramos. "He was doing everything right. I told Roger that he was ready for a big one."

Palladio, Canada's champion 3-year-old in 2005, earned $90,000 for Haras Santa Maria de Araras.

* Sugar Bay ($3.30) mowed down front-running Roses 'n' Wine at the eighth pole en route to an easy score in the $150,800 Carotene Stakes for Ontario-bred 3-year-old fillies. With Jono Jones aboard, she covered nine furlongs on the grass in 1:49.75.

It was the fifth consecutive win and fourth straight stakes victory for Sugar Bay, who banked $90,000 for Augustin Stable and trainer Mac Benson.