Dewolf and jockey Rafael Hernandez stretch it to the win. (Michael Burns Photo)
Chris Lomon, Woodbine
TORONTO, Ont. – Dewolf was able to get the upper hand late to take top prize in the $100,000 Bull Page Stakes, a seven-furlong grass event for Ontario-sired 2-year-old colts and geldings, Sunday at Woodbine.
A son of Silent Name (JPN)-Holy Cargo, Dewolf, with Rafael Hernandez aboard, sat a stalking third along the rail as Unbridled Weather and Shadow Realm held down the top two spots early, with the former holding a two-length lead through an opening split in :22.82.
Unbridled Weather was 1 ½ lengths clear of Shadow Realm after a half in :45.52, while Hernandez and the 4-5 choice sat patiently just in behind the pacesetters.
The pair continued their upfront duel into the turn but were soon engaged by Dewolf, who came off the rail and set his sights on Unbridled Weather who was now in charge. Dewolf struck front with 200 yards to go and was able to fend off a game Unbridled Weather by 1 ¼ lengths. Shadow Realm was third and Kekoa finished fourth.
The final time over firm ground was 1:21.49.
“My horse never gives up,” said Hernandez. “He’s a nice horse. He did an unbelievable job. He kept his mind on business, and he never lost focus.”
The connections made the decision to run in the Bull Page rather than in Saturday’s Grade 1 bet365 Summer Stakes.
“We obviously contemplated a little bit,” said trainer Kevin Attard. “But you know, he’s a Canadian-bred, Ontario-sired, and we want to gear towards some of the Canadian-bred races later on in the fall here. So, we thought, kind of keep it simple right now for him and try to get some more confidence with him.”
The $250,000 Cup and Saucer Stakes, a 1 1/6-mile turf race for 2-year-olds foaled in Canada, on October 6, is a likely landing spot for the colt.
“I would have to think,” said Attard. “Stretching out a little further against Canadian-breds makes all the sense in the world.”
Bred by BHMFR, LLC, and owned by X-Men Racing IV LLC, Canuck Racing Club, Madaket Stables LLC and SF Racing LLC, Dewolf entered his first stakes test off a maiden-breaking score on August 24, a 2 ¾-length triumph at 6 ½ furlongs over good going on the E.P. Taylor turf.
The dark bay debuted with a fourth in a six-panel sprint over the Taylor course on July 4.
Dewolf paid $3.80 for the win.
