Woodbine: Leinan runs 'em down in Glorious Song

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Leinan collared favorites Goldstryke Glory and Mechaya in the stretch en route to notching her first stakes win in the $155,500 Glorious Song at Woodbine Sunday.

Mechaya, the 3-5 choice from California, outbroke the others and set fast splits in the seven-furlong sprint for 2-year-old fillies. Goldstryke Glory tracked Mechaya before passing her exiting the turn, but she failed to hold off Leinan, who rallied strongly from fourth to prevail by a length in 1:23.73. Mechaya held on for third in the six-horse field.

Luis Contreras rode Leinan for trainer Josie Carroll, who also won Saturday’s Grade 2 Autumn Stakes here with James Street.

“I was confident with my filly,” said Contreras. “I know she has a lot of speed, but (Mechaya) showed a lot of speed. She relaxed nice for me at the beginning, and she kicked and fired at the end.”

Leinan returned $16 to win and earned $90,000 for owners James and Alice Sapara.