Monday, November 28, 2011

Maritimer ‘Display’s Sovereign credentials

TORONTO, November 27 – Norseman Racing Stable's Maritimer coasted to victory in Sunday's $175,300 Display Stakes at Woodbine.

In victory, the dark bay son of Stormy Atlantic-Highland Mood, who captured the Coronation Futurity in his previous start, makes a compelling case for the Sovereign Award as Canada's champion two-year-old male.


Bridgeburner led the field through an opening quarter in :24.60, before Menlo Castle assumed the lead down the backstretch to reach a half in :49.06 as Maritimer rated comfortably from fourth position. Menlo Castle led the field through the far turn as Maritimer, under leading rider Luis Contreras, closed four-wide demanding the lead at the top of the lane and driving clear to win by five and a half lengths. Menlo Castle stayed on for place, a length and three-quarters in front of Patrioticandproud. The final running time was 1:43.58.

Owner/breeder Howard Walton believes Maritimer's impressive performance puts the colt at the head of the juvenile class.

"This is a special horse," said Walton. "I don't think there's any limitations as far as distance. I think he's erased that. I think we deserve to be two-year-old of the year, and I also believe we should be the early favourite for the Queen's Plate."

Conditioner Sid Attard was pleased with the Coronation Futurity winner's strong finish.

"This horse is getting better race after race," said Attard. "When he (Contreras) asked him today from the three-eighths pole, he really went on, I was really excited."

With the win, which was the third on the card for Contreras, Maritimer improved his record to three wins and two second-place finishes from six starts.

Maritimer paid $4.70, $2.90 and $2.60 across the board, combining with Menlo Castle ($4.10 and $3.20) for a $22.20 exactor. Patrioticandproud ($3.50) completed a $75.20 triactor.