Paso Doble rallied from just off the pace to capture Monday’s $125,400 Shepperton Stakes, at Woodbine.
Trained by Mark Casse for Centennial Farms Inc, Paso Doble settled in mid-pack under Eurico Rosa da Silva from the outside post and kicked on strong down the lane to win the 6 1/2-furlong ‘Poly’ sprint.
Spirit Warnings broke sharply from the gate, but it was Executive Five who rushed up the rail to take the field through an opening quarter in :23.60.
Spirit Warnings and Phil’s Dream were urged into contention through the turn, but a wide-rallying Paso Doble would not be denied, notching a 1 1/2-length win in a final running time of 1:16.39. Spirit Warnings held on for place over a closing Seeley’s Bay.
Da Silva engineered a confident trip from the outside post in the field of nine.
“I rode him very relaxed because I’m outside and can do anything I want,” said da Silva. “I was worried because the pace at the beginning was really not very fast. The horse relaxed very well there and when I pushed him he moved very fast.”
Paso Doble, a seven-year-old son of Bold n’ Flashy, captured the 2011 edition of the Shepperton. He banked $75,000 in victory, while improving his record to 10-10-6 from 39 career starts.
Paso Doble returned $4.90, $3.80 and $2.90, pairing with Spirit Warnings ($7.40, $5.70) for a $45.50 (9-7) exactor. A 9-7-5 (Seeley’s Bay, $5.20 to show) triactor was worth $257.20. Phil’s Dream completed a $1 Superfecta (9-7-5-6) worth $402.80.
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