Sunday, August 10, 2008

Sugar Bay’s sweet stretch run takes Duchess

TORONTO, August 9 - Sugar Bay closed determinedly in the stretch to capture Saturday's $150,000 Duchess Stakes at Woodbine.

For the Augustin Stable homebred, the seven-furlong event was her first career stakes victory and third victory lifetime from nine starts.

The chesnut three-year-old filly tagged Verdana Bold, who stalked the pace from fourth, in the shadow of the wire for the nose score. Gloriously finished third after prompting the pace.


Sugar Bay, who was ridden by Chantal Sutherland, traveled seven furlongs in 1:22.38.

The Ontario-bred, who finished sixth in the Woodbine Oaks and fourth in the Bison City, saved ground in sixth, advanced on the inside around the turn and angled outside in the stretch.

Sutherland asked her for her best inside the furlong marker and she caught Verdana Bold right at the wire.

"I was hoping," said Sutherland when asked if she thought she would be up in time. "I wasn't really sure. I knew I had some momentum. I was lucky to sneak through on the rail when I did. It just all worked out," said Sutherland. "The two times I've rode her, she's given be great (late) run."

Sugar Bay appears to have found a niche sprinting. She is 3-for-3 in races less than one mile in 2008.

Trainer Mac Benson said two key ingredients worked in sync to get the daughter of Syncline to relax.

"Time and patience," said Benson, of the filly who elevated her earnings to $215,460.

Sugar Bay returned $9.60, $4.60, $3.60, combining with Verdana Bold ($4.10, $3.50) for a $40.80 exactor. Gloriously ($4) rounded out a triactor worth $150.50.

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