Prompt payoff

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Tempered Appeal, claimed from a winning effort for $80,000 two weeks ago, realized a quick return on investment Saturday at Woodbine by winning the $107,600 Bold Venture Handicap.

Tempered Appeal ($10.10) banked $64,560 for owner Bruno Schickedanz and trainer Abraham Katryan in the 6 1/2-furlong event. Morning-line favorite Exciting Story was scratched.

Mr. Epperson set moderate fractions of 22.45 and 44.95 seconds while being pressed by Crucible. Tempered Appeal stalked the leaders along the inside and was angled three-wide for the drive by Emile Ramsammy. He remained on his left lead all during the stretch run, and prevailed by 1 1/4 lengths in a time of 1:16.05.

"It worked out well," said Ramsammy. "All the speed laid just in front of me, and I was able to get out when it mattered most."

Longshot Catahoula Parish finished second, 1 1/4 lengths in front of 4-5 favorite Mr. Epperson. Crucible faded to end up fourth, while Prime Timber trailed the five-horse field in his return from an extended layoff.