Lady Shipman Makes the Grade in Royal North
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Photo: Michael Burns
Jockey Jesse Campbell guides Lady Shipman to victory in the $150,000 Can-III Royal North Stakes at Woodbine July 31, 2016.
A nine-time stakes winner entering racing July 31 and an unquestioned turf sprinting talent, Ranlo Investments' Lady Shipman broke through for her first graded score in the $150,000 Royal North (Can-IIIT) at Woodbine.
The speedy Midshipman filly took to the front in the six-furlong turf test, opened up an easy lead, and maintained her advantage in the stretch to fend off a game effort from She's Explosive and win by 1 3/4 lengths.
The Kiaran McLaughlin trainee clicked off fractions of :22.86, :45.24, and :55.80 through five furlongs and hit the wire with jockey Jesse Campbell in 1:08.42.
"She made the lead a little easier than I thought she would," Campbell said. "And with a filly of this quality, it's going to be a tough day for everyone else."
It was her second start at Woodbine, following an uncharacteristic fifth-place finish last time out July 3 in the Highlander (Can-IIT).
Off as the 3-5 favorite in the field of nine, Lady Shipman paid $3.30, $2.70, and $2.10 across the board. She's Explosive brought $4.90 and $3.50, and third-place finisher Mississippi Delta brought $3.20 to show.
Lady Shipman now has an 12-2-2 record from 18 starts, with $776,042 in earnings.