Thor's Rocket catches Red Cabernet in Overskate Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario — Thor’s Rocket ($15.70) came charging on the outside from last to win the $100,800 Overskate Stakes by a half-length over the supplemented filly, Red Cabernet, at Woodbine on Saturday.

The popular favorite, reigning Canadian Horse of the Year Pink Lloyd, faded to fourth after hitting the front in midstretch, finishing just behind Silent Poet. Boreal Spirit, Kingsport, Not So Quiet, Eskiminzin, and pacesetter Sweet Grass Creek completed the order of finish in the seven-furlong sprint for Ontario-sired stock. The final time was 1:22.47.

Alan Garcia rode the Paul Buttigieg-trained winner for owners Buttigieg Training Centre and Gus Vlahos. Thor’s Rocket had developed hanging tendencies while going winless in six previous starts this year, including when second in the Oct. 8 Bunty Lawless Stakes.

“He’s a sketchy horse,” Garcia said. “We used to move a little early, to get going. Now, I have to wait a little longer. He’s a nice horse. He can run on anything.”

It was the second stakes win for the Old Forester gelding Thor’s Rocket, who captured the 2016 Vice Regent Stakes on turf during his sophomore season.