Woodbine: Hammers Terror outshines Excaper in Charlie Barley

ETOBICOKE, Ontario — Arlington shipper Hammers Terror outran favored Excaper and four other 3-year-olds to take the $103,600 Charlie Barley Stakes at Woodbine on Saturday.

Hammers Terror stalked the dueling leaders on the backstretch in the one-mile turf route, before moving into serious contention exiting the turn. He drew away in the final furlong to prevail by 3 3/4 lengths over Excaper, who came wide from farther back than usual to end up second in his first start in six months. Drago’s Best edged out Jomelo for third in the six-horse field.

Patrick Husbands rode Hammers Terror for owner Terry Hamilton and trainer Mike Stidham.

“He left [the gate] aggressive,” said Husbands. “Two strides out, the other two horses [went] to the lead, and he just relaxed. I was just licking my chops. He showed that he was the best horse today.”

Hammers Terror ($6.20) covered the distance over firm ground in 1:33.21, and banked $60,000 in his first stakes triumph.