Woodbine: Roxy Gap runs down Honey Chile by neck in Whimsical

ETOBICOKE, Ontario — A rejuvenated Roxy Gap wore down Kentucky shipper Honey Chile in the final strides to take the Grade 3, $181,800 Whimsical Stakes at Woodbine on Sunday.

Roxy Gap broke alertly under Patrick Husbands and then stalked in third, as Honey Chile set splits of 22.50 and 45.11 seconds in the six-furlong sprint. Honey Chile was a length in front at the eighth pole before giving way gradually to Roxy Gap, who prevailed by a neck in 1:09.11. The favored Atlantic Hurricane, last year’s female champion sprinter in Canada, was another 1 1/2 lengths back in third in the 10-horse field of fillies and mares.

Roxy Gap, who won the Fury Stakes here last spring, was making her second start after an extended layoff, which ended with a third-place finish in an optional claimer at Gulfstream.

“This is a changed horse from last year,” said Husbands. “She’s really interest in running right now. Before, she was a little bit green.”

Roxy Gap ($6.70) collected $120,000 for Melnyk Racing Stable and trainer Mark Casse.