Skip Code victor in Grey BC

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Skip Code ($10.80) captured his stakes debut in the Grade 3, $226,100 at Woodbine on Monday.

Sergei set a moderate pace in the 1o1/16-mile event for 2-year-olds, while being pressed by favored Scatter the Tak. Skip Code stalked the leaders along the rail in third, awaited room on the far turn, and then split horses at the eighth pole before drawing away to prevail by 1o1/2 lengths in 1:45.56.

"He relaxed good behind horses," said Patrick Husbands, who rode Skip Code for trainer Mark Casse. "When I asked him, he just kicked on."

Skip Code earned $150,000 for owner Charles LaLoggia.

Catch the Fever overhauled Scatter the Tak in deep stretch to finish second in the nine-horse field. Orna was scratched.

Financingavailable ($2.60) won Monday's supporting feature, the $125,000 Classy 'n Smart Stakes, over 13-1 shot Archie's Gal.

Financingavailable dueled with Coastal Fortress on the front end through fast fractions in the 1 1/16-mile race. She opened up a clear lead on the far turn and coasted home on top by 4 1/2 lengths in 1:44.57. Schooner Bay was third in the five-horse field of Ontario-sired fillies and mares.

Jim McAleney rode Financingavailable, who banked $75,000 for owner K.K. Sangara and trainer Lorne Richards.

o Fort Erie-based Cold War became the winningest horse in North America this year when he recorded his 10th victory of 2006 in the second race on Woodbine's Monday card. It was the seventh consecutive score for Cold War, who competed with a $77,500 claiming price in the optional claimer.