Woodbine: Ray's Away easily topples 1-10 favorite in Victoria

ETOBICOKE, Ontario — Ray’s Away put away 1-10 favorite Allaboutcaroline in the stretch en route to a comfortable score in Saturday’s $156,000 Victoria, the first stakes for 2-year-olds of the Woodbine meet.

Ray’s Away and Allaboutcaroline, a filly from Kentucky, dueled around the turn through a quarter in 22.37 seconds. Ray’s Away began to draw off at the eighth pole, and won by 2 1/4 lengths over Honorable Guest, in 58.28. Allaboutcaroline faded to third under Kent Desormeaux, and Dan the Tin Man trailed in a field reduced to four with the scratch of Thats Our Princess.

Chris Griffith rode Ray’s Away for his brother, trainer Ricky Griffith, who sent Ray’s Away out to finish a close second against maidens in his only other outing.

“He was very aggressive leaving the gate,” said Chris Griffith. “It worked to my advantage, because I was able to get a nice position and hold it all the way around the turn. He ran down the lane, and made it look easy. I figured he would be better from his first race, when he was very green after making the lead. He got nailed by a pretty decent horse.”

Ray’s Away ($13.60) collected $94,500 for Debmar Stable.

* Moment of Majesty ($35.60) won her first stakes in the $100,400 Zadracarta. With Gerry Olguin riding for trainer Sue Leslie, Moment of Majesty won by 1 1/2 lengths over Barracks Road, in 1:20.57 for seven furlongs on firm turf.