She may have her quirks but bossy 3-year-old filly MOIRA is a raw talent who obliterated her rivals in the 67th Woodbine Oaks on July 24, stamping herself a Queen’s Plate contender.
What a day it was for Ontario racing as the rain held off, the crowd was a good one and some $10.1 million was wagered on 11 races, crushing last year’s Oaks day total of $6.7 million.
Even with her pre-race antics in which she reared up in the saddling enclosure, and mucked up her two hind shoes that ultimately had to be removed, Moira made a bold run between fillies nearing the quarter-pole under jockey Rafael Hernandez, moving from well back behind a strong pace to sweep three wide to the lead before the head of the stretch run. From there, the daughter of Ghostzapper – Devine Aida by Unbridled’s Song took off to win by 10 3/4 lengths, one of the biggest winning margins in Oaks history.
Her time of 1:49.78, a 92 Beyer Speed Figure from Daily Racing Form, was impressive and bettered the Plate Trial time of 1:50.62 (83 Beyer).
Of course, Moira was not done pushing around her people as she leapt into the bushes in the infield winner’s circle post-race.
It was just the second race of the year for Moira who was beautifully prepared by trainer Kevin Attard to go from her Fury Stakes win at 7 furlongs almost 6 weeks ago to collecting $300,000 for the Oaks win.
Attard was winning his second straight Oaks after Munnyfor Ro took last year’s edition but it was the first Oaks, and biggest win for co-owners X-Men Racing, a syndicate of Canadian racing friends formed by noted bloodstock agent Donato Lanni. Lanni, who lives in Kentucky, only recently began racing his own horses and putting together syndicates to race horses at Woodbine.
“When I first did this X-Men deal, I put it together with my friends,” said Lanni. “It’s fun to put a group together and enjoy the ride together. When we first did it it was pre-COVID and when the pandemic hit we couldn’t come to the races. Today a lot of us were here.”
The X-Men group is made up of Canadians Lanni, Robert LeBlanc, Steve Heimbecker, Clay Horner, David Anderson, John Fielding, Alexandra Verret, Daniel Plouffe, Gabriel Dimiele, and American Nick Pelligreen.
“I am so happy for them, they have been in the game a long time. They are also very lucky people in the horse business. This is the first time I have won a big race, I usually don’t own horses I buy them for people.”
The group shares ownership of the filly with American-based stables Madaket Racing of Sol Kumin, and SF Bloodstock, managed by Gavin Murphy and Tom Ryan.
Lanni was quick to credit Attard who wanted to skip the Grade 3 Selene Stakes on July 2 and have a fresh filly for the Oaks. “Kevin had her super ready today.”
Lanni selected Moira at the 2020 Keeneland September yearling sale from breeder Adena Springs of the Frank Stronach family. The filly cost $150,000 (US) and is the second foal to race of two-time Florida stakes winner Devine Aida, a daughter of Grade 3 winner Passion.
She is named for a main character in the popular Canadian TV show Schitt’s Creek.
“I’m looking for an athletic, sound-looking horse that is easy on themselves. A horse that has got everything out together right,” said Lanni.
“Moira has a big frame and she’s changed a lot. She’s got so long and she had beautiful colour today.”
As for Moira tackling the boys in the Queen’s Plate on August 21, it is quite likely she will try to emulate Wonder Gadot, Lexie Lou and other fillies who recently won the biggest Canadian-bred race.
On the morning of the Oaks, Moira’s 2-year-old full brother Runaway Charlie worked a quick four furlongs in :48.00 for trainer Sid Attard.
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