A perfect trip for Barbeau Ruckus

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Barbeau Ruckus parlayed a perfect trip into an easy victory under Constant Montpellier in Saturday's $128,625 Sir Barton Stakes at Woodbine.

Barbeau Ruckus stalked the leaders through quick fractions in the 1 1/16-mile race for Ontario-sired male 3-year-olds. Montpellier sent him through an opening along the rail approaching the far turn, and the colt drew off in the stretch to prevail by 3 1/2 lengths. "We wanted to sit behind the speed," said Montpellier, who won three races on the card. "I had so much horse, and it was wide open on the rail, so I turned him loose, and he just galloped home from there."

El Habanero outran Twice Bid for second, while favored Mister Coop faded to trail the six-horse field after contesting the pace. The final time was 1:44.47 seconds.

Ross Armata trains Barbeau Ruckus, who returned $7.20 and earned $77,125 for owners Monty Muthulingham and Sharon Armata.