R U Watchingbud rallies to upset New Providence Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – R U Watchingbud came charging on the outside from far back under Emma-Jayne Wilson to post an upset in Saturday’s $125,000 New Providence Stakes at Woodbine.

R U Watchingbud ($58.80) was pulled up past the wire around the seven-eighths pole and was vanned off after appearing to be lame.

Sparrowhawk led through moderate fractions of 22.71 and 46.14 seconds in the six-furlong sprint for Ontario-sired runners. Sorry About That, Call Me Wally, and Seffeara all took a run at Sparrowhawk on the turn, and Sorry About That emerged with the lead in midstretch.

R U Watchingbud saved ground until the turn and commenced his rally around the quarter pole. He hit the front with about a sixteenth left and went on to prevail by a length over the favored Goodoldhockeygame. Sorry About That weakened late to finish another neck back in third in the seven-horse field.

R U Watchingbud banked $75,000 for JR Racing Stable and trainer John Ross, who was the original trainer of both Lexie Lou and Brooklynsway.