Tusayan a game winner

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Tusayan ($7.80) got up in the final strides under Emile Ramsammy to capture the $136,500 Vice Regent Stakes on Wednesday night at Woodbine.

Tusayan raced about five lengths off the leaders on the turn of the one-mile turf race for Ontario-sired 3-year-olds. He rallied wide in unison with favored El Gran Maestro down the stretch, and prevailed by a head. Pacemaker Mystic Dash finished another length back in third in the 10-horse field. The final time was 1:36.97 over a course rated good.

Tusayan won his maiden over soft ground in the June 4 Bold Ruckus Stakes, affirming his dislike for firm turf, according to trainer Laurie Silvera.

"He definitely appreciates some give in the going," Silvera said.

Tusayan earned $81,900 for co-owners Silvera and Srinivas Kilambi, who bred him.