Woodbine: 'Mulligan' runs great

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Mulligan the Great won the front-end battle and the war in Saturday's $138,500 Bold Venture Handicap at Woodbine, scoring by a length under Jim McAleney.

Mulligan the Great dueled with Wild Whiskey through sizzling fractions of 21.51 and 43.54 seconds in the 6 1/2-furlong dash. Mulligan the Great established a clear lead at the three-sixteenths pole, and went on to complete the distance in 1:16.77. Krz Ruckus enjoyed a perfect stalking trip, but couldn't get by a game Mulligan the Great and finished second.

Mulligan the Great ($9) banked $83,100 for owner Charles Simmons and trainer Cliff Hopmans.

Favored Added Edge, last year's champion 2-year-old, rallied to finish third in the six-horse field. Wake at Noon, Mister Coop, and Rare Friends were scratched.

* Soaring Free ($2.40) held off 2001 Atto Mile winner Numerous Times to capture Saturday's supporting feature, the $107,000 Ontario Jockey Club Stakes.