I’m a Kittyhawk closed stoutly into swift fractions to spring a 25-1 upset in Holiday Monday’s $125,400 Ballade Stakes, at Woodbine.
Trained by Robert Crean, the dark bay daughter of Tomahawk made her seasonal debut a winning one with a furious rally to take the six furlong sprint for Ontario-sired fillies and mares.
Tahnee, with Justin Stein up, sprinted through swift splits of :22.11 and :44.39 with the mutuel favourite, Executive Allure, tracking her early foot. I’m a Kittyhawk, under a patient ride from David Moran, settled into sixth position in the early running and was urged into motion through the turn as Tahnee continued to lead.
Executive Allure and Kay’s Grace closed in on Tahnee down the lane, with Kay’s Grace briefly assuming the lead, but none could hold off the soaring I’m a Kittyhawk who got up for a 1/2-length win. Kay’s Grace, at odds of 25-1, earned place money by a ½-length over Executive Allure. I’m a Kittyhawk covered six furlongs in 1:09.32.
Crean was quietly confident in I’m a Kittyhawk despite the lack of support on the toteboard.
“She wintered great and she’s trained wonderful this spring,” said Crean. “Davy rides her like he owns her. I never have to give him any instructions.”
Bred in Ontario by Marine and Victoria Earle, the Ballade victory marked the second stakes score for I’m a Kittyhawk having captured the 2014 edition of the Algoma Stakes at odds of 6-1.
I’m a Kittyhawk banked $75,000 in victory, while improving her record to 5-1-2 from 15 starts.
She paid $56.90, $25.60 and $10.40, combining with Kay’s Grace ($22.60, $9.30) for a $1083.70 (8-1) exactor. An 8-1-10 triactor (Executive Allure, $2.60 to show) was worth $3693.20, while a $1 Superfecta [1-8-10-6 (Tahnee)] came back $5978.50. Silent Treat was scratched.
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