Woodbine: Star Contender takes Cup and Saucer despite eventful stretch run

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Star Contender won his first stakes in his turf debut under Patrick Husbands on Saturday in the $250,400 Cup and Saucer at Woodbine.

Star Contender collared the front-running Tex inside the eighth pole before drawing clear to prevail by 3 1/4 lengths in the mile and a sixteenth route. Tormenta Fiera checked in third in the nine-horse field of Canadian-bred 2-year-olds.

The rider of Tormenta Fiera claimed foul on the top two finishers for interference at the quarter pole. After a long inquiry, Tex was placed behind Tormenta Fiera in third.

Star Contender ran greenly in the final furlong, before completing the distance in 1:45.94 over the yielding ground.

“Coming down the lane by the eighth pole, he ducked in,” said Husbands.

Star Contender ($7.40) earned $150,000 for owner John Oxley and trainer Mark Casse.

“He’s just a big, beautiful horse,” said assistant trainer Kathryn Sullivan. “He thinks he’s a star. He goes out there in the morning and struts around the track. He’s got a big, beautiful stride. He showed that he’s still a bit of a baby.”