Nipissing, an impressive two-year-old daughter of the recently deceased Niigon, kept her perfect record intact with a smart stalking trip to take Sunday’s $125,000 South Ocean Stakes.
The Chiefswood Stable homebred, trained by Rachel Halden and ridden by Steve Bahen, settled in third-position in the 1 1/16-mile ‘Poly’ stake before swooping to the lead en route to a four-length score.
Seeking Toussaud set splits of :24.73, :49.10 and 1:14.14 with Otonabe, also a Chiefswood Stable homebred, and Nipissing travelling comfortably off her flank.
Bahen urged Nipissing into contention through the turn and emerged with the lead at the top of the lane to notch the victory in 1:45.70. Otonabee fought bravely along the rail to earn place money over a rallying Dancing Bay.
Bahen was pleased with the performance of his filly, who entered the South Ocean off a driving score in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes.
“She loves to run. She wants to run all day long,” said Bahen. “I really was impressed when she worked the first time by herself, and she went in a minute, and it was just so easily done.”
Halden, in the midst of a strong 2012 campaign with seven wins, two seconds and four thirds, from 22 starts at Woodbine, continues to be impressed by the long-striding Nipissing.
“She’s always done everything I’ve asked her to do,” said Halden. “She’s been a great filly to be around from day one. Very straightforward, uncomplicated and she’s just a pleasure.”
Halden is hopeful that Nipissing will continue to improve with added distance, with an eye towards the 2013 Woodbine Oaks and Queen’s Plate.
“From day one, the way she trains and in her works, she’s always galloping out strong, always looking for more ground,” said Halden. “In the race in the afternoon, she’s always galloping out strong so that mile and a quarter might be okay.”
Nipissing, undefeated through four starts, banked $75,000 in victory.
She paid $2.30 and $2.10, combining with Otonabee ($3.60) for a $6.80 (3-4) exactor. A 3-4-2 (Dancing Bay) triactor was worth $13. Show wagering was not offered.
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