Clement Rock remains undefeated on the turf following a narrow victory in Saturday’s $150,000 Toronto Cup Stakes.
Joes Blazing Aron, under jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson, led the field through an even quarter in :25.01 with Clement Rock and Celtic Conviction paying close attention in a stalking trip. With the pace quickening, Luis Contreras took a hold of Clement Rock as Joes Blazing Aron hit the half in a sharp :48.66. Emile Ramsammy guided Celtic Conviction into contention into the turn, commanding the lead at the top of the stretch. Contreras, waiting patiently to make his move, urged the bay colt wide into the lane, swooping by Celtic Conviction with three-sixteenths of a mile to run and held on strong to win by a neck over a resurgent Celtic Conviction. River Lemon was up for show, a head in front of Cozy Kitten.
The Eugene Melnyk homebred, trained by Mark Casse, travelled 1 1/8 miles over “firm” turf in 1:46.98.
“It was a crazily run race. He was up near the pace and I though, ‘oh boy’, when they went a half in :48 and change,” said Casse. “Luis (Contreras) said he though he could have rode him a little better – – he thought he moved him a little quick and he got to the lead and was pulling himself up.”
The 112th running of the Toronto Cup was the third career turf start for the Strong Hope colt, who came into the race off a victory in the Charlie Barley Stakes on June 25. “This is a really nice horse and he’s a product of the breeding program that Eugene (Melnyk) set up over the years,” said Casse. “I appreciate the opportunity to train their horses. He’s a tough horse and I think he likes winning.”
The Florida-bred has three wins from four lifetime starts, his lone defeat coming on the dirt at the Fair Grounds.
Clement Rock returned $3.40, $2.70 and $2.10, combining with Celtic Conviction ($10.50, $8.30) for a $58.60 (8-7) exactor. A 8-7-4 (River Lemon, $6.30 to show) triactor was worth $395.80.
More from Canadian Thoroughbred:
