Vestrey Lady pulls off Royal North upset

Vestrey Lady ($16.80) turned back a stretch challenge from 1-5 favorite Financingavailable to take the Gradeo3, $169,300 Royal North Stakes at Woodbine on Monday.

Vestrey Lady led throughout the six-furlong turf sprint, setting fractions of 22.90 and 45.69 seconds under Emile Ramsammy. Financingavailable drew even with Vestrey Lady in midstretch, but Vestrey Lady held her ground and prevailed by three-quarters of a length, in a time of 1:09.17.

"She acted very professional," said Ramsammy. "She was happy doing what she did."

Vestrey Lady earned $90,000 for her owner, Harlequin Ranches, and was the third winner on the card for her trainer, Reade Baker.

Becky Sharp finished a length back in third in the seven-horse field of fillies and mares.