The 69th Woodbine Oaks, presented by Stella Artois, was easily the most wide open in recent memory and as the large field of 14 made its way halfway through the race, it was clear that anything could happen.
Through decent reactions of 23.78 and 47.96, set by longshots Lookin to Conquer and Lunch with Bernie, race favourites Caitlinhergrtness and Kin’s Concerto, tracked in third and fourth before Caitlinhergrtness, one of five in the field for trainer Kevin Attard, pounced on the leaders late on the last turn.
The daughter of Omaha Beach had a short lead into the stretch as A Little Frisky, wide early in the race, came with a bid to the lead while Lunch With Bernie began to tire along the rail.
Caitlinhergrtmess led until deep stretch with A Little Frisky trying hard to get past before Kin’s Concerto, owned and bred by Chiefswood Stable and trained by Josie Carroll, got up in the final yards to win by a neck over Caitlinhergrtness, owned by Siena Farm and WinStar Farms, LLC. Hurricane Clair closed ground for owner David Rowbotham and partners, with A Little Frisky fourth.
The time of 1:51.18 for the 1 1/8 miles was just shy of the 1:51.12 needed by My Boy Prince to win the Plate Trial a few races earlier in the card.
Kin’s Concerto, at 9-to-2 odds, paid $11.50. The three-year-old daughter of Mendelssohn – Kincardine by Fusaichi Pegasus was the 999th winner saddled by Carroll.
Second or third in all of her previous four races, but placed first in her career debut at 6 furlongs through disqualification, Kin’s Concerto was second by a head in an allowance race on June 22, her final prep before the Oaks. Her Beyer Figures of 75, 75 and 77 from her last three races made her a contender in the wide open field.
With the King’s Plate four weeks away, no decision will be made on whether Kin’s Concerto will attempt a run against the boys or stay in the Triple Tiara and compete in the Bison City Stakes. The Plate became much clearer earlier in the day when favourite MY BOY PRINCE powered to victory after a less-than-perfect journey.
Kin’s Concerto is the seventh foal from the unraced mare Kincardine. Kincardine has produced three other winners, Broadway Force, Workin Out and Wiarton. Second dam Rose of Tara (Ire) produced stakes winner Essential Edge.
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