Stakes tops Baker's four-win day

Village Drive was one of four winners on Sunday for trainer Reade Baker, who sent out It's Time Bear and Venezau Beach to score here and Loveyouallthetime to prevail at Fort Erie.

Village Drive, Venezau Beach, and Loveyouallthetime all race for the Jus Luk Stable of Alberta-based Richard Fortier, who was on hand for the occasion.

But the big winner, money-wise, was It's Time Bear, who won the $127,000 Bold Ruckus Stakes for the Bear Stable of Danny Dion.

It's Time Bear was making his turf debut in the Bold Ruckus, a six-furlong race for Ontario-sired 3-year-olds.

In his only other outing this spring, It's Time Bear had finished a close fourth in a first-level allowance for Ontario-sired 3-year-olds.

"I didn't think anybody had genuine big-time turf form in there," said Baker, after watching It's Time Bear win the Bold Ruckus by 1 1/2 lengths in front-running fashion under Emile Ramsammy. "He has big feet, he's a big, strong horse, and he worked great last time."

The $150,000 Achievement Stakes, a six-furlong race for Ontario-foaled 3-year-old here July 3, is It's Time Bear's next target.

"That's where we plan to be," said Baker.