Secret Reserve outlasts Grandson for Steady Growth victory

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Secret Reserve prevailed over the charging longshot Grandson under a shrewd ride from Leo Salles in Sunday’s $100,000 Steady Growth, the final stakes of the Woodbine meet.

Dun Drum set a quick pace in the two-path in the 1 1/16-mile route for Ontario-sired runners, as Secret Reserve tracked him all the way along the rail.

Ron’s Gizmo made the lead early in the stretch before Secret Reserve came inside to hit the front at the eighth pole. Grandson rallied strongly on the far outside from last to take dead aim at Secret Reserve through the stretch, but his bid fell a head short.

Ron’s Gizmo wound up third and was followed by favored Cruden Bay, Mason’s Gamble, Dun Drum, Avoman and Perfect Crime. Town Cruise, Artie’s Storm and Rapid Test were scratched.

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Secret Reserve covered the distance in 1:43.91 and paid $9.60 after taking a ton of late money.

“I love this horse,” Salles said. “He was working very well. He’s not an easy ride, but I could control him well and he waited for me. Once I pressed the button, he came (running). It was a perfect trip. I broke his maiden first-time out. I’ve liked him since the beginning.”

Secret Reserve banked $60,000 in his fourth stakes triumph for the partnership of Carlo D’Amato and Stacey Van Camp. Mike Mattine trains the 5-year-old son of Giant Gizmo.

“He’s a nice, honest horse,” Mattine said. “This year, we had a lot of tough results. He finally came through today. The rail has been really good the last week or so. He had the good post, just stayed on the rail and saved ground.”

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