Phil's Dream wins Shepperton Stakes; Caren takes Nandi

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Phil’s Dream romped in Monday’s $126,200 Shepperton Stakes, scoring in near track-record time under Justin Stein in the 6 1/2-furlong sprint for Ontario-sired runners at Woodbine.

Rexton led the way through quick fractions with the favored Paso Doble in close proximity, while Phil’s Dream stalked in fourth on the backstretch.

Phil’s Dream moved into contention on the turn and then hit the front early in the stretch before pulling away for a four-length tally over Spadina Road, who edged out another longshot, Marten Lake, for second. Paso Doble faded to seventh in the 11-horse field.

Phil’s Dream ($5.70) covered the distance in 1:14.74, which was just 0.24 seconds off the Polytrack record. He earned $75,000 for owner and trainer Paul Buttigieg.

Caren wins Nandi Stakes

Caren ($3.20) extended her unbeaten record to 3 for 3 with a front-running win in Monday’s other Ontario-sired stakes, the $125,000 Nandi for 2-year-old fillies.

Caren set moderate fractions before drawing clear in the stretch to prevail by 1 1/2 lengths in 1:10.04 for the six furlongs. Shake Down Baby finished a clear second, and the maiden The Mink Mile wound up third in the six-horse field.

Caren banked $75,000 for owner Robert Marzilli and trainer Mike De Paulo, who purchased her in Kentucky as a yearling for $45,000.

Jockey Jesse Campbell said the plan wasn’t necessarily to go to the lead with Caren, who was coming off a pace-pressing score in the Shady Well Stakes.

“She’s a kind filly to ride,” said Campbell. “I knew what I was getting away with down the backside, so I just let her be. She’s a little pro. She’s just a cool little horse.”