Caren Wins Wonder Where Gate to Wire
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Photo: Michael Burns
Caren wins the 2016 Wonder Where Stakes at Woodbine for her second Canadian filly classic victory
Robert Marzilli's Caren, patiently handled by jockey Jesse Campbell, made the lead and never looked back en route to a comfortable score in the $250,000 Wonder Where Stakes, the final leg of the Canadian Triple Tiara, at Woodbine Aug. 7.
Trained by Mike DePaulo, the Society's Chairman bay competed in all three legs of the Triple Tiara. She finished third in the Woodbine Oaks before she took the second leg, the Bison City Stakes, in her familiar front-running fashion.
BLOOD-HORSE STAFF: Caren Goes Gate to Wire in Bison City
The start of the 1 1/4-mile turf event was eventful as Wonderland, after being forced inward and bumping with favoured Gamble's Ghost, dismounted jockey Jim McAleney. Caren, sent to post at odds of 5-1 in the field of 13, was away quickly and set a moderate pace with Conquest Dynasty and Neshama, the Oaks winner, tracking her.
Caren led the field to the top of the lane with a 3 1/2-length advantage and had plenty left in the tank to secure a three-length score. Conquest Dynasty carried on for place, a neck ahead of Swoop and Strike. Zermatta, at odds of 122-1, rallied to complete the superfecta. Caren covered 1 1/4-miles in 2:03.10. An inquiry into the start of the race resulted in no changes.
Campbell was thrilled with the effort of Caren, who he has now partnered to six added-money wins, including victories in the Shady Well, Nandi, Victorian Queen, and Princess Elizabeth stakes in an electric juvenile campaign.
"She was comfortable out there," Campbell said. "The filly learned how to rate herself nice. She's just a pro. She's just gotten to where she doesn't want me to be real aggressive any more. She's given me everything she has to begin with. We let her do her thing, and she just keeps on truckin'."
The versatile Caren has now won at distances ranging from 4 1/2 furlongs to 1 1/4 miles.
Caren, bred in Ontario by James Everatt, Janeane Everatt, and J. Arika Everatt-Meeuse, banked $150,000 in victory and improved her record to 7-2-2 from 12 starts.