Woodbine: Bay to Bay stalks, pounces in Nassau

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Bay to Bay ($15.10) raced prominently under Luis Contreras en route to a decisive tally over a quality field in Saturday's Grade 2, $301,200 Nassau Stakes at Woodbine.

Woolly Bear set moderate fractions in the one-mile turf event, over a course labeled yielding. Bay to Bay tracked the leader in second before assuming command early in the stretch, and she got home on top by two lengths over favored Never Retreat, who raced wide throughout. Valli With a Vow rallied for third after a troubled break, and Oregon Lady was along for fourth in an eight-horse field that also included champion Miss Keller. The final time was 1:36.48.

Bay to Bay earned $180,000 for owner Robert Smithen and trainer Brian Lynch.

"I didn't really tell [Contreras] too much," said Lynch. "I just said there's a little speed in there, and I wouldn't imagine that you'd want to be too far away. We kept her a little bit fresh, hoping that she'd put herself into the race a little more. It's great when it goes [according] to plan."