Something Extra converts early lead into Highlander Stakes win

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – The favored Something Extra ran bravely on the lead in Sunday’s Grade 2, $224,800 Highlander, giving jockey Eurico Da Silva his second stakes win on the Queen’s Plate card at Woodbine.

Something Extra made the early lead in the six-furlong turf sprint, before being joined up front on the turn by the longshot Sparrowhawk. Something Extra took in the stretch and got home on top by 1 1/4 lengths in a quick 1:07.78 over the firm ground.

“He’s a very special horse,” said Da Silva, who also won the Grade 2 Dance Smartly on Overheard. “He’s very easy to ride. In the race, he broke very well. Gerry Olguin on speed horse [Sparrowhawk] was very kind. He never dropped over on me, and we need to appreciate that.”

Phil’s Dream, Canada’s reigning champion sprinter, nosed out a wide-closing Lockout for second in the 10-horse field.

Something Extra ($5.50) collected $120,000 for the partnership of John Menary and trainer Gail Cox.