Scotty's Model makes Ballade first stakes triumph

ETOBICOKE, Ontario — A determined Scotty’s Model ran down Code Warrior in the stretch to notch her first stakes victory in Sunday’s $100,800 Ballade at Woodbine.

Scotty’s Model ($4.60) saved ground in a stalking position through the turn in the six-furlong sprint, as Code Warrior set honest fractions. Scotty’s Model was angled wide for the drive, and she caught Code Warrior near the sixteenth pole before drawing clear to prevail by two lengths, in a time of 1:09.49.

Sparkles’ Girl finished third in the nine-horse field of Ontario-sired fillies and mares. She was followed by Silent Sonet, West L.A. Girl, Sugar Jones, Crumlin Spirit, Little Christy, and Listenlindalisten.

Rafael Hernandez rode Scotty’s Model, a daughter of Mr. Scotty, and earned $60,000 for owner-breeder Bruno Schickedanz and the red-hot leading trainer Norm McKnight.

“Norm and I talked before the race,” Hernandez said. “(There were) some horses with speed, and we had to be close - when we make our run, to be able to have a clear trip. That’s what we did. Norm and Bruno have been doing wonderful work, and I appreciate riding for them.”