Patches O’Houlihan motors home in the Vigil (Michael Burns)
Bill Tallon/Woodbine Communications
TORONTO – Patches O’Houlihan took command at the start, turned back a couple of challenges from longshot Rockcrest, and motored to his third win in as many starts this season in Saturday’s Grade 3, $150,000 Branded Cities Vigil Stakes, at Woodbine.
The defending champion in the six-furlong Vigil, Patches O’Houlihan shot to the front from his outside post and led through fractions of :22.46 and :44.86 en route to his 1 ¾-length tally in a final time of 1:08.88 under Sofia Vives.
“There were a couple options today, and we just had to play the break,” said Vives. “Once the doors open, Plan A, B and C sometimes go out the window, and you got to go to your own plan.
“But Patches is a pro. He knows what to do if we think there’s speed, he hears us and he says, ‘I’m faster.’ And today, he did just that.”
Remuda closed on the inside for second money with War Bomber (IRE) a length back in third after stalking the pace.
Ironstone, I’m A Gambler (IRE), Last American Exit, and Rockcrest rounded out the order of finish.
Patches O’Houlihan now has won 10 of 12 starts, including seven stakes, and is 3-for-3 this season under his new rider Vives.
“He’s amazing,” said trainer Robert Tiller. “He’s a freak of nature – I really believe he’s getting better. So, I’m very thrilled, and it’s just wonderful, he’s just amazing.”
Tiller now has won the Vigil six times, the first four with Pink Lloyd (2017-2020), now a member of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame along with his conditioner.
Patches O’Houlihan paid $3.60 for the win.
