TORONTO— Mysterious Night (IRE), under William Buick, was the easiest of winners in the Grade 1 $516,000 Pattison Summer Stakes, a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” race, at Woodbine.
Trained by Charles Appleby for owner-breeder Godolphin, the son of Dark Angel (IRE)-Mistrusting (IRE), was making his first start in Canada after five races to launch his career in Europe.
The 2-year-old bay colt, sent off as the 1-2 choice, was at the top of his game over one mile on the world-renowned E.P. Taylor Turf Course.
Ninetyfour Expos stepped up to the plate first, as Chiseler and Stayhonor Goodside followed in second and third, respectively, while Buick settled Mysterious Night (IRE) into fourth along the rail through an opening quarter reached in :24.17.
Reaching the half in :47.83, Ninetyfour Expos held a one-length advantage over Chiseler, with Buick content to keep a patient hand aboard his charge, still galloping along in fourth.
As the field rounded the turn for home, Mysterious Night (IRE) received his cue and glided to the outside to take aim at the leader.
In early stretch, it was fait accompli, as the bay colt widened his advantage at will down the long lane, converting a two-length lead at Robert Geller’s stretch call into a 5 ¾-length romp. Appraise (IRE) was second, 1 ¼ lengths ahead of Philip My Dear. Ninetyfour Expos stayed on for fourth. Stayhonor Goodside, Sammy Stone and Chiseler rounded out the order of finish.
The final time was 1:34.98.
“He rode beautiful and the track is in great condition,” said Buick. “I walked it before, and you know, it’s as good as it always is. We knew the horse was going to like it, fast ground. He travelled through the race beautifully. He was giving me plenty of confidence throughout the race and he was happy travelling away, so it was perfect for him and hopefully he can go on from here.”
It was the third win from six starts for Mysterious Night (IRE), who has also posted a second and two-thirds. It was also the second straight Summer triumph for Appleby and Godolphin, who took last year’s running with Albahr (GB).
“We were keen to get a bit of cover on him, so it worked well that the two horse [Ninetyfour Expos] went forward and he slotted in nicely,” said Alex Merriam, assistant to Appleby. “He got a nice trip around and he was getting him settled, getting to switch off and travel around nicely. He’s a lovely horse.”
Prior to the Summer score, Mysterious Night (IRE) took the Group 3 Francois Boutin at Deauville, France, on August 14.
Now, the star-on-the-rise rookie has his first Grade 1 badge. The resounding score could set up a date in the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland on November 4.
Mysterious Night (IRE) paid $3.10, $2.30 and. $2.10. An exactor with Appraise (IRE) ($4, $2.50) returned $7.30. Philip My Dear ($2.30) finished off a triactor worth $17, with Ninetyfour Expos completing a $1 superfecta worth $38.50.
In other action, Lady Speightspeare, under Emma-Jayne Wilson, showed plenty of gumption in taking the Grade 3 $154,600 Seaway Stakes, for fillies and mares, three-year-olds and up.
The 7-furlong main track event was the third straight victory, all graded, for the 4-year-old daughter of Speightstown-Lady Shakespeare.
Trained by dual Hall of Famer Roger Attfield, Lady Speightspeare, bred and owned by Charles Fipke, is now 7-1-2 from 12 starts.
She paid $4.90 for the win.
Woodbine Press Release
Photo: Mysterious Night wins the Grade 1 Summer Stakes (Michael Burns)
