Interpol Upsets Sky Classic
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Interpol was the longest shot on the board but the fastest to the wire in the $200,000 Sky Classic Stakes (Can-IIT) at Woodbine, earning his first graded victory at odds of 21-1 in his second attempt at that level Aug. 16.
An allowance winner who last time out ran fifth in the July 19 Nijinsky Stakes (Can-IIT), the 4-year-old son of English Channel closed from just off the pace to win the 1 1/4-mile turf test by a long neck over Golden Sabre, who edged Are You Kidding Me in a photo for second. Mr Speaker, favored at 8-5, was fourth.
Jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson picked up the mount for injured rider Jesse Campbell on JMJ Racing Stables' Interpol for trainer Sid Attard, and gave her runner every chance to succeed with a determined drive down the lane.
"Sid and I spoke in the paddock... it was a tough race, there were some good contenders in there," Wilson said. "I've only ever watched this horse... so he gave me a little insight as to how he would be down the backside. He relaxed well for me and when I called on him he dug in really deep. I was just concerned if I could hold Are You Kidding Me off, and he had the same thought in mind and kept his ears pinned... he was all heart."
It was Sky Flight who showed the way from the start in the Sky Classic, setting opening fractions of :25.81 and :50.07 while leading by about two lengths. That margin was reduced to one as three-quarters went in 1:14.02, but as they kicked for home through a 1:37.63 mile, it was Interpol who emerged from a third-place tracking spot to engage Golden Sabre and Are You Kidding Me for the win.
Interpol inched ahead just in time, claiming the victory in 2:01.05 on firm turf.
The winner returned $44.50, $15.10, and $4.80 while Golden Sabre paid $4.80 and $3.50 with Are You Kidding Me bringing $2.70.
Interpol was bred in Ontario by Richard Lister out of the Strawberry Road mare Adel. He was purchased for $90,000 from the 2012 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky fall yearling sale when consigned by Cara Bloodstock. His record stands at four wins and two seconds from 12 starts.