Ultraflame takes inside route to win Deputy Minister Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Ultraflame ($7.60) hit the front along the inside at the top of the stretch before drawing clear to take the $125,000 Deputy Minister Stakes under Emma-Jayne Wilson on Wednesday night at Woodbine.

Wilson said there were a few anxious moments early in the seven-furlong race, as Ruth Less Blue led the way.

“The first eighth of a mile was a little tricky,” Wilson said. “I got settled into position, and then [Ruth Less Blue] ducked at the gap. I got reorganized, recalculated, and got the trip I was looking to get.”

Ultraflame stalked inside of the favored Songs and Laughter and then cut the corner beautifully around the quarter pole en route to a 1 3/4-length tally in 1:23.71.

“It’s never going to hurt when you get the inside run,” Wilson said. “I was pretty pleased with that. He did everything I asked of him.”

Ultraflame earned $75,000 in his first stakes success for owner J.R. Racing Stable and trainer John Ross.

Aye Aye Captain edged out Conquest Cavalry by a neck for second, which completed a sweep of the top three positions by sons of Old Forester.

Songs and Laughter weakened in the stretch to finish fourth, and Ruth Less Blue faded to trail the five-horse field of Ontario-sired 3-year-olds.