Paso Doble controls pace, cruises in Shepperton Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Paso Doble got away with murder on the front end during his easy victory in the $125,000 Shepperton Stakes on a holiday Monday at Woodbine.

Paso Doble set dawdling fractions of 23.82 seconds and 46.80 in the 6 1/2-furlong dash for Ontario-sired stock. He drew off in the lane to prevail by 3 1/4 lengths over the closing longshot San Nicola Thunder, while covering the distance in 1:16.58. He paid $13.60 for the win.

Phil’s Dream, Canada’s reigning champion sprinter, faded to third after racing in second most of the way as the 2-5 favorite. Th Original Scotty, Sniper, and Citius completed the order of finish.

Paso Doble, an 8-year-old gelding trained by Mark Fournier, was winning the Shepperton for the second year in a row under Eurico Da Silva.

“He’s a very nice horse,” Da Silva said. “He tried very hard. He never lost his focus. He ran very strong. Mark gave me the green light” to go to the lead.

Paso Doble collected $75,000 for Centennial Farms (Niagara) Inc. and Craig Racing.