Pop Idol sprints away to easy score in Shady Well Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Pop Idol broke on top and never looked back, scoring a 2 1/2-length win in Saturday’s $150,000 Shady Well Stakes, giving leading rider Sahin Civaci his fifth win on the Woodbine card.

Pop Idol out-sprinted heavily favored Winterberry for the early lead in the six-furlong sprint for Ontario-sired and Ontario-bred 2-year-old fillies. She had a three-length advantage in midstretch, before coasting home in a final time of 1:10.62.

Nata Trouble beat out another 24-1 shot, War Signal, for third in the seven-horse field. Patriotic War and Princess of Storm were scratched.

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“She tries hard, for sure,” Civaci said. “Every time she’s here she gets more comfortable with the track.”

Pop Idol was making her first start for trainer Katerina Vassilieva, who recently assumed the training duties from the filly’s co-owner, George Weaver. In three previous trips to Woodbine from Saratoga, the daughter of Maclean’s Music scored in maiden special weight and allowance company.

“I’m definitely happy to have her in the barn,” Vassilieva said. “The full credit really goes to Mr. Weaver [and] his great training. I’m grateful for the opportunity. She’s been a pleasure to have.”

Co-owned by R. A. Hill stable, Pop Idol returned $12.90 and pocketed $90,000 in her first stakes victory.

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