Woodbine: Double McTwist takes advantage of hot pace to win Bull Page

Double McTwist, well back early off a sizzling pace, burst between horses in early stretch and then pulled away to a commanding 8 1/2-length victory here in Monday’s $125,000 Bull Page Stakes for Ontario-sired 2-year-old colts and geldings.

Party Lad, who had won his only previous start in front-running fashion, outfooted a pair of challengers as he rattled off his first quarter in 21.73, but was beginning to weaken when he hit the half in 44.91.

Honorable Guest, the 4-5 favorite, seemed poised to take charge as they turned for home but was no match for Double McTwist, who recorded his second win in as many starts. He captured his debut on July 29.

“It looked right away like it was a nice pace,” said winning jockey Alex Solis. “When I got to the turn, I asked him. He won it pretty easily.”

Honorable Guest held for second, 1 1/2 lengths to the good of third-place Top Road, with Weather Bill another half-length in fourth.

Party Lad faded to seventh in the field of eight as the six furlongs went in a brisk 1:09.75.

Double McTwist is a family production as he was bred by trainer Ralph Biamonte’s wife, Mary, and is owned by their son Bret.

“We always thought he was a nice horse,” said Ralph Biamonte. “He’s been off for so long, we were a little worried about that.”

Racing as part of an entry with Check Em, who was part of the early duel and faded to finish last, Double McTwist returned $20.80 and keyed a $50 exactor.

Top Road, at 70-1, completed a $2 triactor worth $1,092.10 and 30-1 Weather Bill rounded out a $2,331.45 superfecta for a $1 investment.