War Painter, under Patrick Husbands, struck the lead late en route to victory in Sunday's $100,000 Victorian Queen Stakes for 2-year-old Ontario-sired fillies at Woodbine.
Trained by Kevin Attard for Canuck Racing Club, the daughter of Danish Dynaformer out of Morning Tale, by Tale of Ekati, came into the seven-furlong turf race with a second and third on her resume from her first two starts.
The third time proved to be the charm for the bay filly.
After an even start, it was 3-2 choice Olivia Rose who set the tempo early, taking her four rivals through an opening quarter of :23.70, while Husbands and War Painter sat at the back of the pack.
Olivia Rose continued to call the shots through a half in :46.85, the daughter of Silent Name (JPN) was a half-length clear of Never Silent, as War Painter was allowed to watch the proceedings from in fifth.
Still on top around the turn for home, Olivia Rose put away Never Silent and looked to dart away from her pursuers, but Husbands had War Painter in full flight, splitting rivals, and setting their sights on the front-runner.
A half-length behind at the stretch call, War Painter kept coming and eventually got the upper hand to secure a one-length victory. Olivia Rose finished three-quarters of a length ahead of Fourfiftyfour. Hurricane Clair, supplemented to the race was fourth, followed by Never Silent.
The final time over a firm E.P. Taylor turf course was 1:21.70.
“She broke sharp, and I just wanted to see how the race would unfold,” said Husbands. “She was just watching them the whole way and started to get away from me and I chirped at her, and she responded.”
The result was twice as nice for trainer Kevin Attard, who sent out Zippy Gizmo to win the $100,000 Bull Page Stakes two races earlier.
“A lot of guys are new to the game, some have had previous experience, so it's just a great way for people to get involved in a great sport and own a small fractional share of a horse,” said Attard, of Canuck Racing Club. “Now, we're in the winner's circle with a stakes winner in the first year. A pretty good start.”
Bred by Charles Fipke, War Painter finished second in her debut on July 29 before a third-place effort on August 27.
She paid $12.80 for Sunday's win.
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