Favoured Passion for Action took over in mid-stretch and went on to post a three and one-quarter length score over Java’s Bourbon in the $250,800 Cup and Saucer Stakes, Sunday at Woodbine.
With Luis Contreras up, the Mike DePaulo-trained Passion for Action, who had entered the rich juvenile Canadian-bred turf stake off a head loss to Conquest Tsunami in an allowance contest in August, was a close-up sixth early in the 10-horse field in the mile and one-sixteenth contest, as Ensign Eli led through fractions of :23.49, :47.04 and 1:11.27, while being dogged by Sweet Grass Creek.
But the favourite moved up on the rail as the field turned for home, was swung outside by Contreras, collared the leader inside the eighth-pole and drew off resolutely for the win, his second in only four starts for owner-breeder Ben Hutzel.
Java’s Bourbon outbattled Conquest Boogaloo by a half-length for second, with Billy’s Star another three-quarters of a length back in fourth. The final time over a firm E.P. Taylor Turf Course was 1:42.66.
“We saved all the ground,” said Contreras. “He broke good and I was right behind the speed, waiting for my move. I had to wait but I wasn’t worried because every time I ask this horse, he gives me everything. He’s kind of a small horse, but he’s got a big, big heart.”
Said Hutzel, “It’s been fantastic to see how Mike has brought this horse along. He didn’t show it early (in his development) but boy, he’s certainly come on strong.”
Explained DePaulo, “They weren’t that thrilled about him in South Carolina (during the winter), but he got here, went about his business, a real gentleman and has done everything we’ve asked him. The only thing he did was stay in the gate a little first time he ran. But he’s been good ever since.”
Hutzel revealed that it was DePaulo who suggested that he breed his turf-loving mare Maritime Passion to Breeders’ Cup winner Speightstown. The result was Passion for Action, who earned $150,000 for his effort on Sunday.
Contreras also won the Cup and Saucer last year aboard Matador, while DePaulo trained the 2007 race winner Deputiformer.
As the 8-5 choice, Passion for Action paid $5.30, $3.40 and $2.50, teaming with 18-1 longshot Java’s Bourbon ($11.30, $7) for a $56.70 (5-10) exactor. A 5-10-1 (Conquest Boogaloo, $3) triactor returned $253.50 while a $1 Superfecta [5-10-1-7 (Billy’s Star)] was worth $691.40.
More from Canadian Thoroughbred:
