Woodbine: Riding the River goes from last to first in King Edward

ETOBICOKE, Ontario — Riding the River rallied stoutly from last to edge out Big Band Sound and Hollinger in Sunday’s $259,000 King Edward Stakes on the Queen’s Plate undercard at Woodbine.

Riding the River and Big Band Sound both ran against the grain of a speed-favoring turf course when fourth and second, respectively, in the May 27 Connaught Cup Stakes, and they ran one-two while a head apart in the Grade 2 King Edward. Riding the River covered a mile over firm ground in 1:32.89, returned $29.20, and earned $150,000 in his first stakes score.

Todd Kabel rode Riding the River for trainer Dave Cotey, who owns the gelding in partnership with Hugh Galbraith and Jim McNair. It was the fourth King Edward victory for Kabel.

“We were hopping in the bar,” said a jubilant Cotey. “Todd gave him an awesome ride. He sat back, and made his run. I love him for it. We needed that. The horse deserves a win. He always tries. He runs his guts out every time.”

Hollinger finished a close third. He was followed by Hothersal, the surprising 2-1 favorite, Trend, and Stormy Lord, who dueled up front with Hothersal through honest splits before fading.