Turf King invades from New Jersey and captures the Marine under Kazushi Kimura (Michael Burns)
By Bill Tallon – Woodbine Communications
TORONTO— Turf King (IRE), backed down to even-money favouritism for the formidable combo of trainer Chad Brown and jockey Kazushi Kimura, parlayed a ground-saving trip into a half-length win over a game Kaukokaipuu in Saturday’s 1 1/16-mile Marine Stakes at Woodbine.
The Grade 3, $150,000 Marine, an open race for 3-year-olds, attracted a field of eight and is situated as a prep for the $1 million King’s Plate, the 1 ¼-mile race for Canadian-bred 3-year-olds.
“When we’re battling each other, that horse (Kaikokapuuu), bumped into my horse, but my horse just hung in,” said Kimura, who also expressed the hope that Turf King (IRE) could signal the start of a productive relationship with Brown.
“I would say that this is just the beginning, and I am very appreciative of Mr. Brown for giving me this opportunity,” said Woodbine’s leading rider.
Velocitor was the first to show in the Marine but was quickly joined by One Bay Hemingway, who took charge heading into the clubhouse turn and held the lead through an opening quarter in :24.11, a half in :48.22, and six furlongs in 1:12.47.
Turf King (IRE) was back in fifth, racing along the rail heading into the far turn as Kaikokaipuu launched an outside rally which carried him to the front turning for home.
Stretching out for the first time after recording his first stakes score – and the first for his trainer Ted Holder here in the seven-furlong Queenston – Kaikokapuuu briefly looked like a winner but could not quite contain Turf King (IRE) through the final furlong after leading by a head at the stretch call.
Midnight Rising, shipping in from Kentucky and joining Turf King (IRE) as the only other non-King’s Plate eligible in the Marine, showed some late interest in closing for third as the first Canadian starter for trainer Jordan Blair.
Turf King (IRE), owned by Wise Racing LLC, was making his second start on a synthetic surface after winning his opener around two turns at Gulfstream on February 16.
His two subsequent outings produced a first-level allowance score over one mile of grass at Keeneland and a third-place finish in Monmouth Park’s Jersey Derby over the same surface and footing.
The colt by Kingman (GB) out of the Sweet Acclaim (IRE) mare, Acclimation (GB), returned $4.10. The final time was 1:43.41.
Stayhonor Goodside, in contention throughout, evened out in the stretch to finish fourth with Simcoe, One Bay Hemingway, Twin City and Velocitor completing the order of finish.
