Woodbine: Kara's Orientation surprises in Sky Classic

ETOBICOKE, Ontario— Kara’s Orientation ran them off their feet under Emile Ramsammy to post a 7-1 upset in the Grade 2, $250,000 Sky Classic Stakes at Woodbine on Sunday.

Kara’s Orientation went right to the front in the 1 1/4-mile route, and proceeded to set a lively pace on a substantial lead. He had an eight-length lead after a mile, before holding on to score by 2 ¼ lengths, in a time of 2:04.87 over a turf course labeled as good.

Smart Bid edged out Hailstone for second, and favored Grassy ran fourth in a field reduced to five with the scratch of Fifty Proof.

Kara’s Orientation ($16.80) banked $150,000 in his first stakes victory for owners Pinnacle Racing and Max Berketa.

“I was very concerned early on,” said trainer Steven Chircop. “I wanted him in front by about three or four lengths, in a perfect world. To see him open up like that, you’re kind of wondering. ‘When is he going to stop?’ But the horse has been doing amazing.”

Moonlit Beauty ($13.30) led throughout Sunday’s other turf stakes, the $100,000 Belle Geste. With Eurico Da Silva aboard, Moonlit Beauty covered seven furlongs in 1:24.15 in the race for Ontario-bred fillies and mares.

Trained by John LeBlanc Jr., Moonlit Beauty earned $60,000 for owner-breeder William Gierkink.