Woodbine: Gypsy Ring works hard to get the money in Overskate

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Slight favorite Gypsy Ring wore down second choice Paso Doble in the stretch to notch his first stakes win in the $125,000 Overskate on Wednesday night at Woodbine.

Gypsy Ring tracked Paso Doble and Bug’s Boy, who vied through slow fractions in the seven-furlong sprint for Ontario-sired runners. Gypsy Ring joined Paso Doble up front at the eighth pole, and they proceeded to duke it out before Gypsy Ring surged late to prevail by a neck in 1:21.54. Race for Gold was a distant third in the eight-horse field.

Justin Stein rode Gypsy Ring ($4.90), who collected $75,000 for owner/trainer Paul Buttigieg.

“This horse had the ability to win by many tonight, but he likes to lollygag once he gets up beside the last horse,” said Stein. “I just waited as long as I could. This is the first time I rode him on the Polytrack. He felt tremendous as soon as the gate opened. He traveled exactly the same as he does on the turf. He’s a really nice horse. He has a lot of talent.”