Bluegrass Equine Bloodstock LLC’s Joha got up in the final jump to take Saturday’s $152,100 Colin Stakes, at Woodbine.
The dark bay son of Johar-Mujado, bred in Kentucky by BEC Bloodstock, tipped off the rail in mid-stretch and chased down Honorable Guest with a powerful late run to win the six-furlong main track event.
Post-time favourite Calgary Cat clipped heels with Bear’s Furr in the early going when Honorable Guest came over on Bear’s Furr shutting off running room. Calgary Cat would spot the field ten lengths as Ray’s Away, setting splits of :22.52 and :45.99, took the field into the turn with Bear’s Furr and Honorable Guest pressing.
Joha, who enjoyed a ground-saving trip under Justin Stein, was third as the field turned for home but was adroitly steered off the rail and rallied to reel in Honorable Guest by a head. Honorable Guest, who held off Triple Cross for place, was disqualifed and placed fifth. Joha covered six furlongs in 1:11.05.
Allen Kershaw, General Manager of BEC Bloodstock, was impressed with Joha’s determination through the stretch.
“He’s a gutsy horse and he always has been,” said Kershaw. “Even in defeat, he was gutsy. Today proved, at this level, he can play.”
It was the second lifetime score for the Michael Maker trainee, and first added-money win, for the colt who earned $90,000 for his effort.
Joha returned $8.60 $4.60 and $4, combining with Triple Cross ($13.20, $7) for a $151.70 (4-3) exactor. A 4-3-6 (Bear’s Furr, $3.90 to show) triactor was worth $715.70. A $1 superfecta 4-3-6-5 (Calgary Cat) returned $1,015.70.
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