Nobals Aces Third Straight Stakes in Woodstock
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Photo: Michael Burns
Nobals wins the Woodstock Stakes at Woodbine
Patricia's Hope's Nobals zipped away from his rivals with ease to take his third straight stakes victory in the CA$128,250 Woodstock Stakes for 3-year-olds May 1 at Woodbine.
As far as first impressions go, Nobals made a stellar one in his first-ever start outside of the U.S. for trainer Larry Rivelli.
Off a step slowly under Rafael Hernandez, the son of Noble Mission quickly settled into stride and seized command, showing the way through swift early fractions of :21.90 and :43.99. Turning for home, the gelding had plenty left in the tank, surging under the wire a 2 3/4-length winner in a time of 1:08.15 for the six furlongs.
The final time was just a shade off the track record of 1.08.05 established by now-retired champion Pink Lloyd in 2018. All in Sync was second followed by Ironstone in third.
"Thank you, Larry, we need more like this one," quipped Hernandez. "You know you're going fast, but you don't know how fast you're going. I was looking back, but I couldn't see anybody."
Nobals paid $5, $3.60 and $2.50. One Timer and Doctor Jeff were scratched.
Bred in Kentucky by Dr. John A. Chandler, Nobals improved his record to 5-1-0 from 8 trips to post and earnings of $333,106. Clearly a synthetic track specialist, Nobals entered the Woodstock following wins in the Turfway Prevue Stakes and Animal Kingdom Stakes at Turfway Park.