More than a whisker
Kitten’s Romance, a 6-year-old daughter of Kitten’s Joy-Illapa, won her second race in her past third starts. Under Rafael Hernandez, the Don MacRae trainee recorded a 1 ¼-length victory in Saturday’s first race as the 1-5 choice. Owned by Michael Lay and D-Mac Racing Stable Inc., Kitten’s Romance is 5-9-8 from 36 career starts.
Home is where the wire is
Home for a Rest, bred and owned by Frank Di Giulio, Jr., broke his maiden in Saturday’s third race. Trained by Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee Robert Tiller, the 2-year-old daughter of Souper Speedy-Holidaying eked out a head victory, fending off rival Rosieposie in the 6 ½-furlong dash contested on the all-weather track.
Thank you berry much
Flowers ‘n Berries, a 3-year-old daughter of Souper Speedy-Mischievous Mia, won her first race in 13 months courtesy of a 2 ½-length score on Saturday. Fraser Aebly, enjoying a strong 2023 campaign, guided the bay filly to victory in the six-furlong race over the all-weather track. She paid $4.20 for the win.
A dream fulfilled
Needs Fulfilled, a 2-year-old son of Good Samaritan-Top Seeded, rallied from out of the clouds in Sunday’s first race to notch his first career victory. Ridden by Skye Chernetz, the bay gelding, trained by Dave Cotey, who co-owns with breeder Richard Forbush, paid $31.60 for the win. It was the fifth start for Needs Fulfilled.
Have you heard the one about…?
Bred and owned by Al and Bill Ulwelling, 2-year-old Jokestar delivered a winning punchline in Sunday’s sixth race. In rein to leading rider Kazushi Kimura, the son of Practical Joke-Starmaline scored by a head in the 1 1/16-mile race. The bay colt paid $4.60 for the win.
Worth hearing
“I am very grateful to all the trainers and owners who gave me an opportunity to ride so many great horses this year. I’d like to thank the grooms, exercise riders, hot walkers, gate crew, outriders, and everyone else who makes our sport so great. And I would like to thank all the horses, the stars of our sport and the best athletes you will find.”
– Woodbine’s 2023 leading jockey, Kazushi Kimura.
Worth watching
Watch as Jimmies Big Day and jockey Kazushi Kimura team up to take the final race of the 2023 Thoroughbred season.
Worth knowing
Read about the rise of 19-year-old apprentice rider Fraser Aebly, who has triumphed in the aftermath of a family tragedy.
Story linked here.
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