Brengungirl the best in South Ocean
TORONTO, October 20, 2024 – Brengungirl fired home to win the $100,000 South Ocean Stakes, a 6 ½-furlong main track race for Ontario-sired 2-year-old fillies, Sunday at Woodbine.
Owned by Canuck Racing Club, Brengungirl recorded her first stakes win and is a perfect two-for-two to start her career.
Onejabtoomany, the longest shot on the board at 28-1 in the compact field of five, surged to the lead, as Rafael Hernandez settled 1-2 choice Brengungirl in between rivals in fourth through an opening panel in :22.96.
It was still Onejabtoomany calling the shots after a half in :45.37, as Hernandez had his filly ready to take aim at the pacesetter heading into the turn for home.
By the time the field straightened for the stretch drive, Brengungirl had struck front and began to pull away from her rivals.
Ahead by 1 ½ lengths at the stretch call, the Kevin Attard trainee went on to a convincing 4 ½-length score in a time of 1:16.87. Ella It Is finished second, followed by I Love to Win, Onejabtoomany, and Silent Strike.
“She was good,” praised Hernandez. “I just wanted to keep in there, she was happy there staying close to the pace and then just let her roll in the stretch, and she did it.”
Sired by Point of Entry out of the Silent Name (JPN) mare Silent Sister, Brengungirl made her career bow a winning one, a 4 ¼-length triumph in a 5 ½-furlong main track race on Sept. 28.
Attard, who celebrated his 800th training victory on Saturday at Woodbine, doesn’t think the filly will have any issues going two turns.
“I think the way she's progressing it should transition pretty simple for her. She does have a good mind. She trains really forwardly in the mornings and seems like a filly with some talent.
“She's done everything perfectly. In the morning, she’s always shown a little bit of early foot, so I’m happy that she’s learning to relax and settle. So that should bode well for her when we try to stretch her out.”
Acquired at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale for $52,000 (U.S.), Brengungirl was bred by Adena Springs.
She paid $3.10 for the win.
Chris Lomon, Woodbine
