Surtsey handles soggy turf in Zadracarta victory

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Surtsey relished the boggy turf course and won the $100,000 Zadracarta Stakes under a patient ride from Omar Moreno on Saturday at Woodbine.

Surtsey ($15.50) bided her time in sixth on the backstretch of the seven-furlong sprint as Crysta’s Course set a moderate early pace, with Silent Treat, Executive Allure, and Skylander Girl in close proximity.

Surtsey mounted a wide rally in the stretch en route to a one-length score over Silent Treat, who won the race last year. Wavell Avenue, the favored shipper from New York, missed the break before charging down the center of the course to finish third in the eight-horse field of Ontario-breds.

Morning-line favorite Hillaby was scratched in favor of Wednesday’s Sweet Briar Too Stakes. Lapsang also was withdrawn.

The Kevin Attard-trained Surtsey covered the distance in a pokey 1:27.02 and earned $60,000 for owner-breeder Yvonne Schwabe.