River Nore wins stakes debut

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - River Nore ($9.80) notched her stakes debut in her second start of the year at Woodbine Sunday in the $166,250 , a seven-furlong dash for Ontario-foaled 3-year-old fillies.

River Nore raced about five lengths off the lead on the backstretch, and commenced a three-wide rally on the turn under Jim McAleney. She hit the front at the eighth pole, and then coasted home by four and a quarter lengths, in a final time 1:24.53 seconds.

"She settled a lot better today," said McAleney. "She just had to get over those first-race jitters that she had last time."

River Nore banked $99,270 for owner/breeder Ormonde Farm and trainer Reade Baker.

Candy Box, the 9-5 favorite, and Time Saver dueled through splits of :22.60 and :45.77. Time Saver won the battle, before ending up a clear second over a closing Silver Impulse.