Something Extra set a scintillating pace and then held on strong to win Saturday’s $100,200 Mt. Sassafras Stakes, at Woodbine.
The dark bay son of Indian Charlie-Our Mariah, trained by Gail Cox and ridden by Eurico Rosa da Silva, entered the seven-furlong ‘Poly’ sprint off a considerable layoff. Something Extra’s prior start was a 2 1/2-length score in the Grade 2 Connaught Cup, over Mt. Sassafras rival Big Band Sound on May 27.
Something Extra led the field through splits of :22.65, :44.64 and 1:09.02 as favoured Big Band Sound tracked from second position with Court of the Realm, D’s Wando and Bear’s Chill in close proximity.
Court of the Realm threatened to reel in the front-runner deep in the stretch, but Something Extra found another gear and held on for a 3/4-length win in 1:22.22. Court of the Realm kept on for place in front of a rallying Run to the Bank.
Cox was not surprised to see Something Extra take to the lead.
“I thought he would be sharp,” said Cox. “I was just afraid I didn’t have him quite ready for this race. You always think you want one more breeze.”
Cox is hopeful that Something Extra can continue his winning form in Florida.
“I think he might do a little winter racing at Gulfstream,” said Cox. “I think he would run on the dirt just fine. He’s always breezed very well on the dirt and he loves the turf.”
Something Extra banked $60,000 in victory, improving his record to six wins, four seconds and three thirds from 17 career starts.
He paid $8.10, $4.40 and $5.70, combining with Court of the Realm ($4.10, $6.10) for a $29.50 (4-3) exactor. A 4-3-2 (Run to the Bank, $11.50 to show) triactor was worth $195.
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