Woodbine: Youcan’tcatchme lives up to name in Etobicoke Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Youcan’tcatchme, living up to her name, bounced out of the gate from her outside post and led her six rivals in a merry chase in Sunday’s $100,600 Etobicoke Stakes.

Trained by Sam DiPasquale and making her first start since Nov. 16, she was ridden for the first time by Justin Stein. Youcan’tcatchme prevailed by 2 1/4 lengths and stopped the clock in 1:09.28 in the six-furlong race for fillies and mares.

“I’d seen her race and worked in company with her,” Stein said. “She’s a beautiful filly. Sam just said, ‘Put her in the race,’ which is what I did.”

Strike the Moon, invading from Maryland for trainer Michael Trombetta, rallied for second, 2 1/2 lengths to the good of Acting Naughty, whose habit of breaking poorly took its toll as she flattened out late after launching a strong rally into the stretch.

Eastern Atlantic, Evil Kitten, Sweet Starlet, and Dance to the Moon rounded out the order of finish.

Bred in Florida by her owner, Murray Stroud, Youcan’tcatchme picked up $60,000 for her first stakes score to bring her career bankroll to $218,629.