Sambuca On Ice takes New Providence Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Sambuca On Ice, under perfectly timed ride from Patrick Husbands, nailed Mysterious Affair on the wire to take the $130,500 New Providence Stakes at Woodbine Sunday.

Sambuca On Ice bided his time early in the six-furlong dash for older Ontario-sired runners, as favored Krz Ruckus led while being tracked by Mysterious Affair. Krz Ruckus, who set splits of :22.47 and :45.68, was overhauled at the eighth pole by Mysterious Affair, who couldn't handle the winner's stretch kick and came up a head short.

"He always seems to run his best races from just off the early pace," said Rita Schnitzler, who trains Sambuca On Ice. "I was really glad to see Mysterious Affair soften up Krz Ruckus up for us."

Krz Ruckus held third, while Sports Flashy, Hopeful Moment and Hoptuit Bud completed the order of finish. The final time was 1:10.76.

Sambuca On Ice ($6.90) earned $78,300 in his first stakes score for owner Frank Romano.