Woodbine: Lexie Lou kicks clear in South Ocean Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Lexie Lou held off the favored Paladin Bay and the previously unbeaten second choice, Flipcup, to take the $125,000 South Ocean Stakes under jockey Gary Boulanger at Woodbine on Sunday.

Lexie Lou went right to the front and set honest fractions in the 1 1/16-mile route for Ontario-sired juvenile fillies. She opened up a 3 1/2-length cushion on the far turn, then saw her lead dwindle in midstretch before she kicked away late to prevail by three lengths in 1:44.70.

“Nobody really wanted to go, and she’s got great tactical speed,” Boulanger said.

Paladin Bay finished a length ahead of Flipcup for second, and Neesa rallied belatedly for fourth in the eight-horse field. Bear’s Pride was scratched.

Lexie Lou returned $6.90 as the third choice and banked $75,000 for owner and trainer John Ross.