Trainer Roger Attfield will be looking to saddle a record ninth Queen’s Plate winner when Shakhimat goes to the post on Sunday, and the Hall of Fame conditioner got his long weekend off to a good start when Internal Bourbon upset Friday’s $100,000 Zadracarta Stakes, at Woodbine.
Internal Bourbon rated off the pace of 3-5 favorite Southern Ring in the Zadracarta, a seven-furlong turf race for Ontario-sired fillies and mares.
But, Southern Ring began to weaken off fractions of :22.96, :46.17, and 1:10.32 and was passed by Internal Bourbon and Charming Delilah almost in unison with a furlong to run. Internal Bourbon won the battle to prevail in 1:22.96 but Charming Delilah battled on very gamely to miss by just a neck.
Under rider Alan Garcia, Internal Bourbon lay farther off the pace than usual.
“That was the plan, if there was a legitimate pace,” said Attfield. “The main thing with her is she doesn’t need to go to the lead too soon. She’s lost a number of races going to the lead too soon, and we finally got it all worked out that she doesn’t do that. (Garcia) rode her really well.”
Conquest Strate Up closed on the outside to finish third while Southern Ring faltered to fourth. Rounding out the order of finish were Copper Kitten, Pengally Bay and Clarkston Hope. Green Doctor was scratched.
Internal Bourbon, a homebred 4-year-old filly who races for Chuck Fipke, was recording her first stakes win in the Zadracarta and her second straight win after capturing an open first-level allowance at 6.5 furlongs on the turf.
The 4-year-old returned $17.80, $8.20 and $4.30 and combined with Charming Delilah ($4.60, $3.40) for a $76.60 exactor. Conquest Strate Up ($5.20) completed a $300.70 triactor, while Southern Exchange rounded out a $1 superfecta worth $268.75.
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