Southern Ring scores front-running win in Whimsical
ETOBICOKE, Ontario—On a track favoring inside speed, the favored Southern Ring went straight to the lead and never looked back to take the Grade 3, $147,250 Whimsical Stakes at Woodbine on Sunday.
Southern Ring set moderate fractions in the six-furlong dash, while being pressed by Skylander Girl. Southern Ring began to edge away early in the stretch, and then held off the closers River Maid and Euroboss to prevail by a length over River Maid, in a time of 1:09.70.
Galina Point galloped out strongly after closing for fourth, while reigning Canadian Horse of the Year Caren finished fifth in her first run of the year.
Eurico Da Silva rode Southern Ring for trainer Malcolm Pierce, who sent her out to win the Grade 3 Ontario Fashion Stakes going three-quarters over River Maid in October.
“We love to see her in a stalking position, because she relaxes when she has a horse [to track],” Da Silva said. “But she broke very sharp today. She was there, but she was very, very relaxed. When I needed her, I had a lot in the tank. Six furlongs is her best distance—maybe six and a half.”
Southern Ring ($4.30) banked $90,000 for Sam-Son Farm, which bred the daughter of Speightstown.