Sabatini scores by two lengths in the Selene (Michael Burns)
Chris Lomon/Woodbine Communications
TORONTO— Sabatini, under Sofia Vives, stormed home to take the $150,000 Selene Stakes (G3), Saturday at Woodbine.
Waves of Mischief and Red Samurai vied for top spot steps out of the gate in the 1 1/16-mile main track event for 3-year-old fillies, with the former eventually securing the lead and then carving out an opening panel in :23.98. Sabatini, tucked in comfortably at the rail, watched the proceedings from third.
It was Waves of Mischief still on top through a half in :47.62, but her lead dwindled soon after, as her rivals closed in ahead of the turn for home.
Vives had Sabatini rolling to the outside, but 2-5 choice, Witwatersrand, Canada’s champion 2-year-old filly, was also kicking into gear as the field straightened for the push to the wire.
Sabatini shrugged off the challenge and went on to notch a two-length score in a time of 1:43.07.
Crevalle d’Oro rallied for second, 3 ¼ lengths ahead of stablemate Witwatersrand.
“It’s such a good feeling to have such an honest, trying filly and a good barn backing us and great owners,” said Vives. “Hopefully, we can get many more together.
“I had a lot of confidence in this horse. I have a lot of confidence in the barn. And they always bring the horses over at 110 per cent.”
It was the second stakes success for the daughter of Uncle Mo-Gabriellestoblame, owned by NK Racing and LNJ Foxwoods.
After a third to launch her career at Turfway this March, Sabatini took the Star Shoot Stakes at Woodbine on April 27. She came into the Selene off a second in the Ruling Angel, also at Woodbine, on May 18.
“First couple of works, she wowed us from the start,” said trainer Josie Carroll. “You know, just if you look at her physically, she’s outstanding looking, and her turn of foot was unbelievable. Great demeanor, great mind. She’s just got all the parts.”
Bred in Florida by Bridlewood Farm, Sabatini was a $625,000 purchase at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale.
She paid $11.40 for Saturday’s win.
