Woodbine: Jade Dragon, Langstaff run one-two for Tiller in Deputy Minister

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - The Bob Tiller trainees Jade Dragon and Langstaff ran one-two in the $125,000 Deputy Minister Stakes for Ontario-sired 3-year-olds on Wednesday night at Woodbine.

Langstaff was the 1-2 choice in the seven-furlong event, but it was Jade Dragon who dominated after tracking the early leader, Canuspellpatience, who set slow fractions. Jade Dragon opened up a clear lead at the quarter pole under Tyler Pizarro, and then held off a late charge from Langstaff to prevail by a length in 1:24.08. Silent Admirer checked in third in a field reduced to four after the scratches of Top Marc in Class and I’m a Kittyhawk.

“I think this was a jockeys’ race,” said Tiller. “Tyler got the jump on (Langstaff), and he was gone. I think (Langstaff) is a very good come-from-behind sprinter, especially on the turf. I think he’s going to be far better on the grass. I was a little shocked that he didn’t win it, but wasn’t disappointed in his race.”

Jade Dragon paid $12 and earned $78,750 in his first stakes victory.