Well-traveled Grizzel, confidently piloted by David Moran, wore down favoured Enstone to take Sunday’s Grade 3 $131,300 Selene Stakes, at Woodbine.
Trained by Mike Doyle, the Irish-bred daughter of Kodiac arrived at the 1 1/16-mile Tapeta route for sophomore fillies off a smart allowance score over the Toronto oval main track, a 1 ¾-length triumph on April 28.
Grizzel, leaving from post two in the 10-horse field, settled into third position in the early running of the Selene as mutuel favourite and Fury Stakes champ Enstone called the shots through an opening quarter in :23.83, with Addictive just to her outside.
Enstone, with Addictive still applying pressure from second, led the way down the back straight as Moran and Grizzel kept tabs on the duo from third through a half in :47.98.
As the field entered the final turn, Moran called on Grizzel and the bay filly responded with a strong turn of foot to engage Enstone. The pair went hoof-to-hoof before Grizzel took command at the stretch call en route to a 1 ½-length victory. Enstone fended off Sister Nation by a neck for runner-up honours. Grizzel covered 1 1/16-miles in 1:42.29.
It was the first stakes score for the globetrotting filly, whose racing passport includes starts at Sandown Park, Beverley, Ascot, Chester, Salisbury, and a pair of fourth-place stake efforts at Gulfstream, in the Melody of Colors (February) and Sanibel Island (April).
Grizzel now sports four victories and two thirds from 13 starts for owners Merriebelle Stable LLC and Mrs. Anna Doyle.
Bred by Martin Butler, Grizzel banked $75,000 for the Selene win.
She paid $8.40, $3.70 and $2.90, combining with Enstone ($3.70, $2.90) for a $28.60 (2-7) exactor. Sister Nation ($6) completed a (2-7-1) $226.10 triactor. Silhouette rounded out a $1 Superfecta (2-7-1-8) worth $536.45.
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