Toronto, – Overcoming a terrible start, Deputiformer, ridden patiently by red-hot Jono Jones, surged to the front in the closing yards to defeat favoured Cryptonite Kid in the $253,200 Cup and Saucer Stakes October 14th at Woodbine.
At the finish of one of the classic stakes for Canadian-foaled two-year-olds, over one and one-sixteenth miles on the E.P. Taylor Turf Course, Deputiformer proved a neck winner after rallying from last place in the field of 13. Seattle Hill finished third, just three-quarters of a length further back, with Northern Kraze, the only filly in the race, a nose behind in fourth. The final time over a firm turf was 1:44.47.
The win capped an incredible weekend for Jones, who on Saturday won both added- money events, one with two-year-old Not Bourbon in the Bull Page, then the Durham Cup with Leonnatus Anteas, last year’s champion two-year-old colt who also took the Cup and Saucer with Jones aboard in 2006.
In the process, Deputiformer, a $90,000 Keeneland yearling purchase, also broke his maiden for owner David James and trainer Mike DePaulo in his fourth career outing. In his previous start on September 28, the bay gelding had finished second in his turf debut, losing the lead late in a maiden mile contest.
“Mike had specific instructions. Take him back, put him on the rail, save ground and make a run. I did that and it worked out great,” kidded Jones.
“He ran a great race today,” said DePaulo. “We thought he’d get the mile and one sixteenth and Jono gave him a great ride. Everything worked out. Jono weaved his way through and we got lucky. He’s out of a Dynaformer mare and Silver Deputys handle it (turf). We thought he’d like it. (Owner Mr. James) had Shillelagh Slew. Hopefully this horse will follow in his footsteps.”