Eugene Melnyk’s James Street rallied from off the pace to capture Sunday’s $155,100 Grade 3 Durham Cup, at Woodbine.
Trained by Josie Carroll, the six-year-old bay son of El Prado would not be denied in the stretch run with a smart move, under Patrick Husbands, to overtake a prominent Alpha Bettor and rallying Awesome Overture.
Delegation, the 1-5 mutuel favourite, was hustled out of the gate by Luis Contreras notching the opening quarter in 23.77 with Alpha Bettor, piloted by Justin Stein, hot on his heels. Delegation marked the half in :47.70 and three-quarters in 1:12.28 under constant pressure from Alpha Bettor.
Alpha Bettor put Delegation away at the top of the lane and dug in to battle the advancing Awesome Overture, but James Street, patiently handled by Husbands, blew by both horses to notch a 1 1/4-length win in 1:50.14. Alpha Bettor stayed on strong for place, a neck better than Awesome Overture.
Husbands waited until just the right moment to make his move with James Street.
“Today he was enjoying it behind horses. I wanted to make my move at the right time and when I got to the top of the lane I made my move,” said Husbands.
Josie Carroll, who captured the Grade 3 Grey Stakes with Ami’s Holiday earlier on the card, was happy to have Husbands, only recently returned from injury, back aboard James Street.
“I was delighted with where I was sitting today. This horse and Patrick get along very well, the horse turns off a little bit for him,” said Carroll. “When I saw that Alpha Bettor went with Delegation and softened him up a little bit, I was smiling.”
James Street banked $90,000 in victory, while improving his record to 7-6-4 from 27 career starts.
He returned $14.50, $7 and $11.60, pairing with Alpha Bettor ($8.10, $11.50) for a $65.70 (3-4) exactor. A 3-4-6 (Awesome Overture, $20.70 to show) triactor was worth $412.50.
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