Nine-year-old Paso Doble made his seasonal debut a winning one with a front-running effort to capture Sunday’s $125,000 New Providence Stakes, at Woodbine.
Trained by Mark Fournier for owners Centennial Farms (Niagara) Inc. and Craig Racing, the Bold n’ Flashy chestnut was making his sixth appearance in the New Providence, a six furlong ‘Poly’ sprint for Ontario-sired horses, having previously won the 2011 and 2013 editions.
Paso Doble, with Eurico Rosa da Silva up, marked the opening quarter in :22.18 under pressure from Seffeara and Sorry About That. The chestnut rocketed a half-mile in :44.47, widening to a two-length advantage through the turn, as Phil’s Dream launched a rally from fourth position.
Paso Doble maintained his at the top of the lane and stayed on strong under steady encouragement from da Silva to notch a 2 3/4-length win. Phil’s Dream, Canada’s champion sprinter of 2013, held on for place, 3/4-lengths in front of San Nicola Thunder. Paso Doble covered six furlongs in 1:08.77.
Fournier was pleased with the effort of the speedy Paso Doble.
“I was a little bit surprised, coming off a layoff against these kinds of horses, but he has been training forwardly and we were confident he would run a good race. He loves his job,” said Fournier.
Paso Doble banked $75,000 in victory, pushing his bankroll over the $1-million mark, while improving his record to 13-11-8 from 47 career starts.
He paid $7.90, $4.10 and $3.30, combining with Phil’s Dream ($4.20, $3.20) for a $34 (8-2) exactor. An 8-2-9 triactor (San Nicola Thunder, $5.80 to show) was worth $235.60, while a $1 Superfecta [8-2-9-1 (Spadina Road)] came back $687.40.
More from Canadian Thoroughbred:
