Quaesitor closed from last to first to capture the Grade 3, $172,800 Valedictory Stakes, the final stakes event of Woodbine’s 2013 thoroughbred season.
Trained by Ian Howard for Wayward Stable, Quaesitor arrived at the Valedictory off of consecutive scores in marathon events winning a 1 1/2-mile optional claiming tilt on August 2 and a 1 5/8-mile allowance test on November 17.
Address Unknown and Turkish set the pace in the 1 3/4-mile Valedictory marking a half in 1:14.72 and a mile in 1:40.81, as Quaesitor, with Gerry Olguin up, waited patiently at the back of the pack.
Eagle Poise, the 3-5 favourite, swooped to the lead through the final turn but could not hold off Quaesitor who bid midstretch and was ridden out a three-length winner in a final running time of 2:59.42. Eagle Poise stayed on for place, 3 1/2-lengths clear of Peyton.
Tricky Hat, with Rosie Napravnik in to ride for Shug McGaughey, kicked the rail after leaving the paddock and was scratched.
Olguin was full of praise for the stamina and willingness of his charge in the 1 3/4-mile ‘Poly’ stake.
“He only has a small run, but he gives it to me when I ask him to run,” said Olguin. “For the distance, this horse comes off the bridle and as soon as you start moving him and asking him, he goes. You just have to move at the right time.”
Howard tipped his cap to exercise rider Matt Douglas for having Quaesitor in top form.
“I’d like to thank Matt Douglas who gallops him. This horse has just got better and better with patience and the people that work with him,” said Howard. “He’s doing well and it’s nice to see him show (in the afternoon) what he’s done in the morning.”
Quaesitor, who finished third in last year’s Valedictory Stakes won by Heathcote, earned his first added-money victory with a solid performance.
“There’s no point in running him unless it’s at least a mile and a quarter,” said Howard. “He just doesn’t show that much speed, but when it gets beyond a mile and a quarter he has a chance.”
Quaesitor banked $108,000 in victory, while improving his record to 6-1-4 from 17 career starts.
He returned $11.10, $3.20 and $2.60, pairing with Eagle Poise ($2.40, $2.10) for a $24.40 (4-1) exactor. A 4-1-6 (Peyton, $3.70 to show) triactor was worth $103.80. Awesome Overture completed a $1 Superfecta (4-1-6-8) worth $121.40.
More from Canadian Thoroughbred:
