Woodbine: Paso Doble stalks and goes in Shepperton win

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Favored Paso Doble danced his way into the winner’s circle on Wednesday night at Woodbine after a flawless performance in the $125,000 Shepperton Stakes.

Paso Doble ($4.60) stalked in third on the outside in the 6 1/2-furlong sprint before inheriting the lead from pacemaker Daniel Be Good late on the turn. He maintained command throughout the stretch, and got home on top by 1 1/2 lengths in 1:15.75. Race for Gold edged out Arepeatee for second in the six-horse field of Ontario-sired runners.

Patrick Husbands rode the former front-runner Paso Doble, who collected $75,000 for Centennial Farms (Niagara) Inc. and trainer Mark Casse.

“Mark and myself, we spent a lot of time with him, teaching him how to relax in the morning,” said Husbands. "We always put horses 10 lengths in front of him. Now, he knows how to run. He leaves the gate, positions himself, and it’s up to you to dictate (tactics). He always gives you 110.”