Sensational Slam all out to hold off Ice Danger

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Saratoga shipper Sensational Slam prevailed by a head in a head-bob finish with 15-1 shot Ice Danger in the $151,600 Vandal Stakes at Woodbine on Saturday.

Sensational Slam ($2.70) pressed Ice Danger through splits of 22.52 and 45.68 seconds in the six-furlong race for 2-year-olds. Ice Danger held a slim lead in midstretch, before Sensational Slam dug in and won in a time of 1:11.21. A stalking Wonder Phil finished another 2 ½ lengths back in third in the nine-horse field of Ontario-breds.

Patrick Husbands rode the Todd Pletcher-trained Sensational Slam in the Vandal and in his victorious debut in the restricted Clarendon Stakes here July 3. Husbands said the colt has a lazy demeanor.

"When I left the gate last time, he didn't want to run," Husbands recalled. "I had to get into him, and he responded. Today, I had to hustle him and hustle him. I couldn't get him on the bridle. The more aggressive you are, the more he gives you 110 percent. I was in a fight with [Ice Danger], but he didn't give up. It was just a matter of time before we got there first."

Sensational Slam banked $90,000 for his owner, celebrity chef Bobby Flay.