Unspurned uses hot pace to win Whimsical

ETOBICOKE, Ontario — Unspurned rallied powerfully from off a rapid pace to take the Grade 3, $179,100 Whimsical Stakes in her first start on Lasix at Woodbine Saturday.

Unspurned saved ground while racing in fourth until the quarter pole, as Executive Allure set fractions of 22.17 and 44.82 in the six-furlong sprint for fillies and mares. Unspurned closed wide through the stretch and caught Skylander Girl in the final strides to prevail by a length in 1:09.18. Executive Allure, the 2-1 favorite, faded to third in the eight-horse field.

Alan Garcia rode Unspurned for trainer Roger Attfield.

“Roger Attfield did a good job,” Garcia said. “He told me to be confident -- that the filly was ready to win. The pace was a little fast, but she did kick very well. She was impressive. I was glad to win the race.”

Unspurned ($11.40) collected $108,000 for owner-breeder Christine Hayden, who also bred the promising eighth-ace winner, Breaking Lucky.