Godolphin homebred Nations Pride (IRE) stalked pacesetter Royal Champion (IRE) from second before wearing down that rival at the sixteenths pole, then shaking free for a clear in in the $750,000 Canadian International (G1) Sunday at Woodbine.
Sent off the favorite under William Buick, Nations Pride was winning his third race at the highest level as he cruised across the finish line 2 1/4 lengths to the good of gallant runner-up Royal Champion.
Adhamo (IRE) finished third.
A 4-year-old son of Teofilo, globetrotting Nations Pride has five stakes wins in five nations: Canada, Dubai, the U.S., England, and France. He scored previous top-level wins the 2022 Saratoga Derby and in the Grosser Dallmayr-Preis (G1) July 30 in his previous start.
Trained by Charlie Appleby, Nations Pride returned $2.80 after covering the 1 1/4 miles in 2:03.65.
Royal Champion took charge soon after the start and opened a comfortable lead as Nations Pride tracked through an opening quarter in :25.42, a half in :50.07, and six furlongs in 1:14.80.
Royal Champion appeared poised to for a front-running win under James Doyle as he entered the stretch with a one-length lead ,but Nations Pride wore him down with a sustained rally to score.
Nations Pride, who has a 10-2-1 record from 15 career starts, was produced by the Oasis Dream (GB) mare Important Time (IRE).
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