A determined effort from favoured Fantasia, 7-5 on the board, landed the daughter of Sadler?s Wells in the winner’s circle in the $101,200 River Memories, on Saturday at Woodbine.
Fantasia, a bay four-year-old owned by Augustin Stable, rallied from last in the eight-horse field after opening quarters of :25.76 and :50.45, to prevail by a nose over Never Retreat. Magic Broomstick finished another nose back in third.
The final time was 1:38.32 over a “yielding” turf.
It was the British-bred’s fifth career victory from 14 starts and first since a two-length score in England last September. She came into the River Memories off a strong fourth-place showing, less than a length behind winner Proviso, in the Grade 1 First Lady at Keeneland on October 9.
“She was in my hand the whole way and was just waiting on me to call her,” said winning rider Rosie Napravnik. “I was waiting as long as I could. It was close, but she really dug in and used all her heart.”
Trainer Jonathan Sheppard was happy to see Fantasia squeak out the hard-fought victory.
“She is a high-quality filly, although she has been a little bit disappointing,” said Sheppard. “She’s run some very good races, but never quite got there. It wasn?t easy it all. They have some very nice horses here. I was just glad to get it done and Rosie gave her a great ride.”
Fantasia paid $4.80, $2.90 and $2.30, combining with Never Retreat ($3.40, $2.60) for a $17.60 exactor. Magic Broomstick ($3) completed a $46.60 triactor.
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