Woodbine: Nipissing runs down 27-1 longshot to win Princess Elizabeth

ETOBICOKE, Ontario — The favored Nipissing caught 27-1 shot Strut the Course in the final strides to capture the $250,800 Princess Elizabeth Stakes and remain unbeaten Sunday at Woodbine.

Strut the Course raced in ninth early before making a bold, five-wide bid on the far turn in the 1 1/16-mile route for 2-year-old fillies. She looked the part of a winner on a clear lead in midstretch, but the imposing Nipissing closed under a strong handling from Steve Bahen to prevail by a half-length, in 1:45.25.

Smartyfly outran the second choice, Tiz Ro, for third in the 10-horse field of Canadian-breds.

“I got after her a little earlier than I wanted to,” said Bahen. “But she responded when I really called on her. She’s the real deal. She’s done everything we’ve ever asked of her.”

It was the first stakes score for Nipissing and her trainer, Rachel Halden. She returned $5.50 to win, and collected $150,000 for owner/breeder Chiefswood Farm.