It’s Gail, under a strong ride by Luis Contreras, stormed to the lead in deep stretch to win the $125,000 Eternal Search Stakes, Sunday at Woodbine.
The chestnut daughter of Niigon-Bob’s Choice, trained by Bob Tiller for owner Rolph A. Davis, closed swiftly down the lane and survived a claim of foul from Justin Stein, rider of third-place finisher Future Surprise, after lugging in during the late stages of the 1 1/16-mile main-track event.
Blues Dancing, making her first effort around two turns, took the field through splits of :24.50, :48.16 and 1:12.92 with Consecutive and Future Surprise stalking from close range.
Blues Dancing opened up a length and a half lead at the top of the stretch, but could not hold off an onrushing It’s Gail, who prevailed by a length and three-quarters. Blues Dancing held on for place, a length and a quarter in front of Future Surprise.
It’s Gail stopped the clock in 1:46.37.
Tiller was proud of his filly’s determined effort in her first added-money race.
“She’s stubborn and she has a lot of ability,” said Tiller. “This filly is just going to keep getting better in my opinion.”
The conditioner was keen to point out Niigon’s stamina influence on It’s Gail, who now boasts two wins and a second in three route attempts.
“She’s a typical Niigon,” offered Tiller. “He’s a great sire, the best sire in Ontario right now. No doubt about it.”
It’s Gail banked $75,000 in victory, improving her career record to three wins and a second in four career starts.
She returned $4, $2.60 and $2.10, pairing with Blues Dancing ($3.60, $3.10) for a $17.40 (7-2) exactor. A 7-2-6 (Future Surprise, $3.70 to show) triactor was worth $80.50. A $1 7-2-6-1 (Grace Phil) superfecta paid $79.35.
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