R U Watchingbud notches first stakes in Queenston

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – R U Watchingbud came on strongly through the stretch to notch his first stakes Saturday at Woodbine in the $150,000 Queenston, a prep for the July 5 Queen’s Plate.

R U Watchingbud raced near the rear of the field on the backstretch of the seven-furlong sprint as the favored Jacks Escarpment led the way, with Hammerstein in close proximity. Hammerstein hit the front early in the stretch and seemed headed for victory before weakening on his left lead.

R U Watchingbud ($18) scored by 1 1/4 lengths in a time of 1:21.98 under Emma Wilson, who got a leg up from owner-trainer John Ross.

“Emma did a beautiful job, just laid off some of the speed,” Ross said. “He had lots in the tank, and finished up well. We’re pretty excited about this horse. He’s bred to go long. We’ll stay tuned and see how he comes out of it and go from there.”

Goodoldhockeygame came from fourth to nail Hammerstein on the wire for second. Jacks Escarpment faded badly to trail the eight-horse field of Canadian-bred 3-year-olds.