Woodbine Mohawk Park: Caviart Ally successfully defends Milton Stakes title

Caviart Ally went wire-to-wire to post a mild upset in Saturday's C$250,000 Milton Stakes final for older pacing mares at Woodbine Mohawk Park, establishing a new stakes mark of 1:48 3/5 in the process.

Driver Andrew McCarthy wasted no time energizing Caviart Ally as the gate opened, and the Bettor's Delight-sired mare had control from Apple Bottom Jeans in a 26 4/5 opening quarter. McCarthy allowed Caviart Ally to take her time getting to the half, and once that mark was passed in 55 seconds flat, the race began as favored Youaremycandygirl and driver Louis-Philippe Roy made their move to challenge.

The challenge would be short-lived for the favorite as Caviart Ally accelerated in a major way, sprinting her third quarter in 26 3/5 and losing Youaremycandygirl in the process. McCarthy was opening ground with Caviart Ally into the stretch with the favorite stopping, and late bids by Kissin In The Sand and Seaswift Joy came too late to threaten the winner, with that pair settling for second and third, respectively.

"She was terrific tonight," said McCarthy following the race. "I was able to steal the second quarter. I knew scoring her down she was on her game tonight. She was very focused."

Caviart Ally captured the Milton for the second straight year while winning for the sixth time in 15 starts in 2019. Brett Pelling trains the mare for Caviart Farms. Caviart Ally returned $10.70 to win.

"She's such a consistent filly," said Pelling. "She loves her work."