Gamble’s Ghost swooped the field in the final furlong with an impressive turn of foot to capture Sunday’s co-featured $179,100 Grade 3 Mazarine Stakes, at Woodbine.
Trained by Josie Carroll, the Ivan Dalos homebred daughter of Ghostzapper arrived at the 1 1/16-mile ‘Poly’ route for juvenile fillies from a closing second-place finish to Catch a Glimpse in the grassy Grade 2 Natalma Stakes on September 12.
Sent to post as the prohibitive 2-5 mutuel favourite under regular pilot Luis Contreras, Gamble’s Ghost settled into fifth position in the early running as Audacious Bear took the field of six through splits of :24.30 and :49.82. Swoop and Strike, with Eurico Rosa da Silva up, surged into contention late in the turn to assume command as Gamble’s Ghost struggled to find racing room.
However, a brave Gamble’s Ghost surged between rivals, and despite Contreras losing his whip mid-stretch, went on to win by three-quarters of a length. Swoop and Strike held place by 3/4-lengths over a rallying Garavogue Colleen. Gamble’s Ghost covered 1 1/16-miles in 1:45.62.
A last-to-first winner in her visually appealing 8 1/2-length debut score in a seven furlong maiden allowance over the Woodbine main on August 14, Gamble’s Ghost again impressed with a strong closing kick to earn her first added-money score.
“The last time (in the Natalma) she did not break well and I think it was belated when she got running and wasn’t able to catch a free-running leader (Catch a Glimpse),” said Carroll. “We had some anxious moments today. Luis might have been pretty confident, but when I saw her trapped in there I was pretty concerned. She is a very brave filly and she went through and pricked her ears and had fun.”
The victory marked the fourth stakes win of the meet for Dalos who captured the Simcoe and Bull Page with talented juvenile colt Amis Gizmo and the Etobicoke with Elusive Collection. The Mazarine score for Gamble’s Ghost, out of 1996 La Prevoyante champ Gambling Girl, touched Dalos.
“This one is special because her dam passed away this year,” said Dalos. “I have some special memories of her.”
Gamble’s Ghost, bred in Ontario by her owner, banked $108,000 in victory while improving her record to two wins from three starts.
She paid $2.90 and $2.10, combining with Swoop and Strike ($3) for a $6.20 (4-2) exactor. A 4-2-6 triactor (Garavogue Colleen) was worth $16.40. No show wagering was offered.
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