Woodbine: Grace Phil stalks and pounces in South Ocean victory

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Grace Phil assumed control near the eighth pole before edging away to take the $125,000 South Ocean Stakes on Wednesday night at Woodbine.

Consecutive set a moderate pace in the1 1/16-mile test for Ontario-sired juvenile fillies while being tracked by Grace Phil. Favored Future Surprise loomed into a stalking position at the half-mile pole before tiring, and Grace Phil made her move on the far turn en route to a two-length tally over a closing Memories Last Love. A fading Consecutive held off Future Surprise for third in the seven-horse field.

Jockey Steve Bahen got a leg up from trainer Bob Tiller on Grace Phil, who ran the distance in 1:46.48 and paid $8.50.

“I wanted to get her relaxed, so I took her outside away from those horses and she calmed down,” said Bahen. “She sat where I wanted her to, and when I called on her, she came running.”

Grace Phil, who captured her six-furlong debut Oct. 8, collected $75,000 for Hoof Hearted Stable.