Sir Bronx draws off to win Westerner

Sir Bronx outdueled the heavily favored Killin Me Smalls and then drew off to win the $50,000 Westerner at Northlands Park on Saturday by 3 3/4 lengths. He paid $7.

With Shamaree Muir aboard, Sir Bronx battled with Killin Me Smalls through quick interior fractions of 23.73 and 47.19 seconds in the 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds and up. Sir Bronx started to inch away approaching the quarter pole, opened up a clear lead on the stretch turn, held a two-length advantage turning for home, and was never threatened while winning decisively over Royal Warrior, who rallied from fourth. Aqua Frio came from last to pick up third. Killin Me Smalls finished last in the five-horse field.

The final time was 1:45.86.

“I knew we were moving along, but he wasn’t being pushed,” said Muir. “Good horses just go fast.”

The 5-year-old Florida-bred is trained by Rick Hedge and is owned by Almac Racing Stable.

Hedge said he wasn’t sure if he would bring Sir Bronx back Aug. 25 to defend his title in the $50,000 Timely Ruckus. Along with the Grade 3, $200,000 Canadian Derby and the $75,000 Distaff for fillies and mares, the 6 1/2-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up will be part of the final day of live Thoroughbred racing at Northlands.