Woodbine: Atlantic Hurricane solidifies Sovereign credentials by taking Bessarabian

ETOBICOKE, Ontario— Atlantic Hurricane probably locked up the Sovereign Award for champion female sprinter with a decisive score Sunday at Woodbine in the Grade 3, $166,800 Bessarabian Stakes.

A determined Moonlit Beauty set honest fractions in the seven-furlong sprint, while being tracked by Zermatt, one of three Todd Pletcher-trained shippers in the 10-horse field.

Atlantic Hurricane ($8.60) raced in third on the outside before hitting the front at the top of the stretch, and then drew away to prevail by five lengths, in 1:21.77. Mullins Beach was second at 28-1, while favored Embur’s Song finished another two lengths back in third.

Emile Ramsammy rode Atlantic Hurricane for trainer Stuart Simon. She has won five races, including three stakes, since Simon claimed her for $40,000 in June.

“I had a lot of faith in her today,” said Simon. “She’s just been doing so well. She’s probably better than she’s been all year.”