Piper’s Gift runs away with Princess Elizabeth Stakes
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ETOBICOKE, Ontario - The brilliant Piper’s Gift justified her favoritism with another decisive score in Saturday’s $250,000 Princess Elizabeth Stakes at Woodbine.
With Rafael Hernandez aboard, Piper’s Gift assumed an ideal inside stalking position behind pacesetter Bells of Paradise in the 1 1/16-mile race for Canadian-bred 2-year-old fillies.
La Culasse made a wide bid to contest the lead on the far turn before Hernandez angled Piper’s Gift wide for the drive. Piper’s Gift swept to the lead early in the stretch and then drew off to prevail by 4 1/2 lengths, in a time of 1:46.39.
Katie’s Grace rallied outside from the rear of the field to edge out Ashlee B for second. La Culasse faded to fourth and was followed by Bells of Paradise, Winning Agenda, Fleury, and Backstreet Emma.
Piper’s Gift ($2.90) lost her first two starts on the turf before going on Lasix for her last three outings, all of which she won impressively on Tapeta including the seven-furlong Glorious Song Stakes. The Princess Elizabeth was her first start around two turns.
“Once he got her covered up, she relaxed for him,” winning trainer Dale Desruisseaux said. “That’s what we were looking for when we talked earlier this morning. Once she got relaxed, I was pretty confident.”
Piper’s Gift banked $150,000 for owner-breeder Chiefswood Stables. Chiefswood general manager Robert Landry said the operation has moved Piper’s Gift’s sire, Yorkton, from Kentucky to Adena Springs North in Ontario for the 2026 breeding season.
“She hasn’t done too much wrong this year,” Landry said. “She’s a special filly. Having Yorkton standing here next year, this really helps (him).”
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