Woodbine: Smart Sting prevails in Maple Leaf Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Smart Sting ($9.70) came charging on the outside from mid-pack to take the $183,000 Maple Leaf Stakes under Eurico Da Silva at Woodbine on Saturday.

Moonlit Beauty set lively fractions on a clear lead in the 10-furlong route for fillies and mares, with second choice Stars to Shine in close proximity. Smart Sting bided here time early before closing strongly in the lane to prevail by 2 1/4 lengths, in 2:03.77.

Moonlit Beauty dug in gamely to hold off Moment of Majesty for third. Favored Dixie Strike checked in seventh in a field that was reduced to eight with the scratches of Lacara and Sky High Lady.

"She was in top shape, and very relaxed," said Da Silva. "She did everything right. She ran very well."

Trainer Roger Attfield said after the race that it might be the last start for Smart Sting, who earned $105,000 for Stronach Stable.