Sea Siren all the way to upset Matron

Essential Edge and jockey Jono Jones rolls to a four-length win over a yileding turf in Saturday's Ontario Colleen.

Sea Siren, a 14-1 shot in a five-horse field, set a fast pace and easily won the Grade 3, $150,000 on Saturday at Arlington, with favorites Take a Check and Maggie Slew struggling home fourth and fifth in a strange edition of the race.

Sea Siren's Matron was as sterling as her most recent start, the Aug. 4 Gardenia Handicap at Ellis Park, had been disappointing. Unable make the lead that day, she tired badly and finished last of 10, far behind second-place Maggie Slew. But Saturday, Sea Siren and Guidry had sprinted clear by the first turn, outfooting Maggie Slew and a hard-sent Sunset Kisses for the early lead, and despite going fast to the half-mile, 46.95 seconds, Sea Siren drew clear late to win by four lengths.

Stop a Train closed mildly to finish three-quarters of a length in front of her stablemate Sunset Kisses. Take a Check, who lagged far behind early and never made a run, finished a distant fourth, with Maggie Slew fading badly to last. For Gillian was scratched from the race.

Trained by Ralph Nicks for Strode Stables LLC, Sea Siren paid $31.60 to win and was timed in 1:49.19 for 1 1/8 miles. Before Saturday, Sea Siren's best win had come in the Green Oaks, a $50,000 stakes at Delta Downs in Louisiana. Now, whatever else Sea Siren goes on to accomplish, she will be known as a Grade 3 winner.