Under Par scores gate-to-wire upset in Monashee

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Under Par paid $13.20 for her gutsy win over Canada’s reigning champion older female Here’s Hannah in Sunday’s the $50,000 Monashee Stakes at Hastings.

With Amadeo Perez riding, Under Par broke alertly and set a moderate first quarter-mile time of 23.05 seconds in the 6 1/2-furlong dash. Sunburst, under a snug hold early, tried to force the issue at the half-mile mark, but was repelled by Under Par who opened up a clear lead entering the stretch.

Here’s Hannah, carrying high weight of 124 pounds broke sharply from the inside post, was eased into a stalking position, and tracked the leaders from along the rail. After getting off the rail turning for home, she finished with a rush but never looked like she was catching Under Par who had plenty left for the drive. The final winning margin was three-quarters of a length. Sunburst held on to finish third in the five-horse field.

The final time was 1:16.93.

It was the first stakes win for the 5-year-old daughter of Stephanotis who has been a gem of consistency for trainer Mark Cloutier, compiling a 10-4-1 record from 16 starts for earnings of $165,113.

Bred in British Columbia by Glen Todd, she races for Ole Nielsen and Maureen Goss.