Strike Oil secures first lifetime win in Coronation Futurity

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Strike Oil ran greenly but gamely to win his maiden in style Sunday at Woodbine in the $252,400 Coronation Futurity.

Strike Oil ($30.70) raced at the back of the 11-horse field of 2-year-olds early in the nine-furlong route, and then commenced a wide rally midway on the far turn under Luis Contreras. He overtook Charlie’s the Man inside the sixteenth pole before lugging in, and went on to prevail by three-quarters of a length, in a time of 1:52.10.

“He lugged in a little bit,” said Contreras. “I think it bothered him that I didn’t [switch sticks], but I can do that next time. He’s fine in the morning. He just does it in his races. He’s still learning.”

The maiden Enduring Star, who like Strike Oil, is trained by Mark Casse, finished another two lengths back in third. The favored Good Better Best wound up seventh, and the early pacemaker, Say No More, faded to 10th in the race for Canadian-breds.

Strike Oil had finished fifth in each of his two previous starts, which were both on the grass, including in the restricted Cup and Saucer Stakes. He collected $150,000 for owner John Oxley.