Gypsy Ring, a finalist for the 2011 male sprinter Sovereign Award, rallied to take his seasonal debut in Good Friday’s $100,000 Debut Stakes at Woodbine.
The five-furlong contest was the featured event on the Opening Day card.
Gypsy Ring was patiently handled by regular rider Justin Stein, as Red Eagle and Executive Five duked it out through opening splits of :21.54 and :44.68.
After a brilliant 2011 campaign, one that yielded two wins, two seconds and two thirds from seven starts, Gypsy Ring was at the top of his game in the Debut, rallying stoutly on the outside down the lane to notch his seventh win from 23 starts.
Bred, owned and trained by Paul Buttigieg, Gypsy Ring crossed the wire half a length in front of a game Executive Five. Mobil Unit rallied for third.
The son of Where’s The Ring stopped the teletimer in :57.42.
Stein had confidence that last year’s Overskate Stakes champion would be able to reel in the leaders.
“He’s a really talented horse,” said Stein, who had a strong campaign last year at the Toronto oval, winning 102 races. “When he kicked in today, I knew at the 5/16ths pole that we were going to be a force to be reckoned with.”
Sent off at 1-5, Gypsy Ring paid $2.60, $2.10 and $2.10, combining with Executive Five ($4.70, $4.30) for an $11.30 exactor. Mobil Unit ($3.60) completed a $48.20 triactor.
Paso Doble was scratched, but will contest Saturday’s $150,000 Jacques Cartier Stakes. First post is 1:00 p.m.
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