Strate Remark scores easy win in Ascot Graduation

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Strate Remark broke on top and cruised to an easy win over Driller in the $75,000 Ascot Graduation at Hastings on Monday. He paid $10.40 for his 5 1/2-length romp in the 1 1/16-mile race for 2-year-olds. He was ridden by Denis Araujo.

Under no pressure at all, Strate Remark held a one-length lead over Slicky Boy after a half-mile in 48.71 seconds. He easily repelled Slicky Boy’s bid at the six-furlong mark, opened up a clear lead on the stretch turn, and was never threatened while drawing off to win decisively. Driller came from a stalking position to finish a neck in front of Igor.

“He’s a speed horse, but he was quite settled today,” said Araujo. “I felt very confident the whole time, and I knew he would have the right answer whenever I asked him to go.”

Strate Remark is trained by Cindy Krasner and owned by Riversedge Racing Stables Ltd.

The son of Sungold posted a final time of 1:45.43. It was Strate Remark’s second stakes win, and the $41,250 he earned brought his total earnings to $101,650.

A similar scenario unfolded in the $75,000 Fantasy, won by Yukon Belle, who paid $4.20 for her win over Daz Lin Dawn in the 1 1/16-mile race for 2-year-old fillies.

Breaking alertly from the rail with Antonio Reyes aboard, Yukon Belle held a half-length lead over Daz Lin Dawn after a half-mile in 48.26 seconds. She increased her advantage to a length at the eighth pole and then drew off to win by 2 1/2 lengths. Daz Lin Dawn finished a length in front of Anstrum, who chased the leaders the whole way.

The final time was 1:45.29.

The daughter of Drosselmeyer is trained by Barbara Heads. She is owned by Ryan Nugent Hopkins, who plays center for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League.