Win the War prevails as heavy favorite in Duchess Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Win the War didn’t win like a 1-2 shot should, but she got the job done nevertheless in Saturday’s $100,000 Duchess Stakes at Woodbine.

Win the War ($3) helped to set moderate fractions in the seven-furlong sprint for 3-year-old fillies. She put away Souper Striking in midstretch and then got home on top by 1 1/4 lengths in 1:23.17.

When Hanalei Moon got up in the final strides for second, it gave trainer Mark Casse a sweep of the top two positions. Souper Striking held third, and Love to Learn trailed in a field reduced to four after the scratches of Glamanation and Missy Savvy.

Patrick Husbands rode Win the War, who had been sidelined since Jan. 7 due to an ankle injury.

“She left there pretty sharp,” Husbands said. “I tried not to disappoint her. I tried to ride her like the best horse in the race. She showed that she was the best. She got a little tired the last couple of strides, but she got the job done.”

A $700,000 Saratoga yearling purchase by War Front, Win the War earned $63,000 for the partnership of Gary Barber and John Oxley.

There was only win and exacta wagering on the race.