Patrioticandproud rallied in the final furlong to take Saturday’s $150,000 Toronto Cup Stakes, at Woodbine.
It was the first added-money score for the dark bay son of Proud Citizen-Luvina, trained by Mark Casse and ridden by Eurico Rosa da Silva, who entered the 1 1/8-mile turf tilt off a trio of second-place efforts.
Favoured Hammers Terror led the field through splits of :24.75 and :48.56 with Excaper, under jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson, keeping a watchful eye. Mr. Online rushed up to engage Hammers Terror entering the turn, as Wilson took Excaper back, and edged in front of Hammers Terror at the top of the stretch.
The front-running duo were collared by the pack a furlong out, as the field stretched five-across the turf course, with Patrioticandproud out finishing the group to score a length win. Excaper rallied for place, a half-length in front of Attendant. Patrioticandproud stopped the clock in 1:48.33.
Casse believes the lengthy E.P. Taylor Turf Course worked to Patrioticandproud’s advantage.
“This horse is more of a grinder and doesn’t have that quick turn of foot,” noted Casse. “The grinding is better here (at Woodbine) with the long stretch.”
It was the second lifetime score for Patrioticandproud who improved his record to two wins, five seconds and a third from 11 career starts.
He returned $10.50 and $4.70 combining with Excaper ($3.70) for a $36.40 (5-3) exactor. A 5-3-2 (Attendant) triactor was worth $180.70. There was no show wagering.
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