U S Marshal notches first stakes victory in Wando

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – U S Marshal notched his first stakes under an astute ride from David Moran in Sunday’s $102,800 Wando Stakes at Woodbine.

U S Marshal was prominent throughout the 1 1/16-mile route for 3-year-olds. After tracking the even-money favorite Decision Day early, he joined him on the lead along the backstretch and poked his head in front exiting the far turn before scoring by a length over Seventhfleethumor, who lacked a clear path in the lane.

Bear At Last rallied wide from last for third, and the New York invader Net Gain checked in a close fourth. After setting slow fractions under Jesse Campbell, Decision Day came up empty in the stretch and trailed the five-horse field. The final time was 1:45.54.

The Ian Black-trained U S Marshal ($11.70) banked $60,000 for owners Richard and Nancy Kaster.

“I had a great trip,” said Moran. “I said to Ian before the race that we'd probably end up running second behind [Decision Day]. Going down the back, he was dragging me along nice. I could see Jesse was already struggling at the half, and once I got most of the way around the turn, I just sent him about it, and he never stopped. He kept going strong to the wire. I wish he was an Ontario-bred.”