Quidura kicks clear to win Canadian Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Quidura ($2.80) recorded the first win of her 2017 campaign in the Grade 2, $250,000 Canadian Stakes at Woodbine on Saturday afternoon with a ground-saving trip under jockey Junior Alvarado.

Quidura sat in mid-pack along the rail as Involuntary set a reserved pace, with Starship Jubilee and Southern Gem tracking to her outside. As the field turned for home, Quidura tipped off of the rail and began her bid for the lead, surging by Starship Jubilee just inside the sixteenth pole to win by a length over a closing Elysea’s World. Starship Jubilee settled for third. The final time was 1:45.26 for about 1 1/8 miles over firm turf.

“I wanted to make sure I got her covered,” Alvarado said. “Last time I didn’t get the set up that I wanted to. I knew I had horse. Any time I wanted to split horses or do something, I knew she was there for me. We just waited turning for home, and then I found my spot. After that, she was there for me. She gave me a nice kick.”

Quidura improved her career record to 4 wins from 8 starts. She won for the first time since last October’s Grade 3 Valley View Stakes at Keeneland. She has finished behind Lady Eli twice this year, including in the Grade 1 Diana Stakes at Saratoga on July 22.

“I had a lot of confidence in this filly today,” said winning trainer Graham Motion. “Last time, we had no intention of being on the lead. A couple of horses broke through the gate next to her, including Lady Eli I think, and that got her on the muscle. She broke very sharp. That was very uncharacteristic for her, so I was glad to see her settle today.”

Quidura banked the $150,000 winner’s share for the victory. Motion said Quidura would likely proceed on to the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf for her next start.

“I ran her here today because of the timing,” he said. “I really hope to take her to Del Mar for the Breeders’ Cup. I wish this was still a Win and You’re In.”