Zensational Bunny made every pole a winning one to capture Saturday’s $128,000 Glorious Song Stakes, at Woodbine.
The two-year-old daughter of Zensational-Beach Bunny, saddled by Mark Casse for the first time, was purchased privately from Camilla Farms by Gary Barber following her impressive three-length debut score for trainer Pat Parente, and the filly proved to be a shrewd buy making her stakes debut a winning one.
Zensational Bunny, with Patrick Husbands up, set reserved splits of :23.15 and :46.16 in the seven furlong ‘Poly’ stake as Ida Bambina and Spring Likeacobra stalked her early pace.
The bay opened up a two-length lead at the top of the line as Norquay, sent to post as the 7-5 favourite, rallied wide down the lane under Jim McAleney but could not reel in Zensational Bunny who hopped to a 3 3/4-length win. Zensational Bunny covered seven furlongs in 1:23.20.
“She did it pretty easy,” said Husbands. “She was naturally fast coming out of the chute looking at everything and getting away from me, but she relaxed and got the job done.”
Zensational Bunny, bred in Kentucky by Bob Baffert and Lanni Bloodstock, was trained into the Glorious Song off her debut score on September 27.
“We’ve been very happy with her coming into the barn and we’ve had this race in mind for her for a little while,” said assistant trainer Kathryn Sullivan.
Sullivan was pleased with the trip engineered by Husbands.
“I thought she was cruising pretty easily and Patrick looked confident,” said Sullivan. “We have such confidence in Patrick and he rode the race perfectly.”
Zensational Bunny, undefeated in two career starts, banked $75,000 in victory.
She returned $5.20, $2.80 and $2.60, pairing with Norquay ($2.60, $2.40) for an $11.40 (2-4) exactor. A 2-4-8 (Henry’s Island, $4.20 to show) triactor was worth $98.80. Shanagarry completed a $1 Superfecta (2-4-8-1) worth $175.10. Executive Allure was scratched.
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