Olivia Rose and jockey Kazushi Kimura winning the South Ocean Stakes on October 28, 2023, at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)
Kazushi Kimura wins second stakes on the day
Chris Lomon, Woodbine Communications / @WoodbineComms
TORONTO, Ont. – Olivia Rose dominated the $100,000 South Ocean Stakes, a 6 ½-furlong main track race for Ontario-sired 2-year-old fillies.
Sent on her way as the 7-5 choice, Olivia Rose took the lead quickly after the break and was followed by Hurricane Clair, one-length behind the pacesetter, through an opening quarter timed in :23.36.
With Kazushi Kimura aboard, Olivia Rose, trained by dual hall of famer Mark Casse, reached the half in :45.97, and then began to shake loose from her pursuers.
Ahead by four lengths at the stretch call, the dark bay, who arrived at the South Ocean off a runner-up effort in the Victorian Queen Stakes on September 24, crossed the wire 6 ½ lengths clear of Hurricane Clair. Fourfiftyfour was third. Lady Wellington, Gradevole and Red Eleanor rounded out the order of finish.
The final time was 1:15.74.
“Every race it feels like she’s really improving,” said Kimura, who swept the day’s stakes races, winning the Frost King two races earlier and racking up five victories altogether. I’m really appreciative that Mark gives me the opportunity to ride these nice horses.
“She has a natural speed, and it was easy to get the lead,” he continued. “I was a little bit concerned she was too aggressive but at the three-eighths, she showed me the second gear. I was like, ‘Oh, she’s going to be an easy winner.’”
Bred and owned by Gabe Grossberg, the daughter of Silent Name (JPN)-Malibu Sunrise recorded her first stakes win and is now 2-2-0 from five starts.
Casse leads all trainers with five South Ocean victories. The dual Hall of Fame conditioner won the 2009 edition with Attitude Included, the 2014 running with Galina Point, in 2018 with Preferred Guest and in 2021 with Ya Mar.
Olivia Rose paid $4.90 for the win.
