Chart topper: Pop Idol wires Shady Well rivals
TORONTO, November 23, 2024 – Pop Idol earned her first stakes victory in style, taking top prize in the $150,000 Shady Well, Saturday at Woodbine.
Making her fourth start at the Toronto oval, Pop Idol popped out of the gate running in the six-furlong main track race for Ontario-bred or Ontario-sired 2-year-old fillies and was a length clear of 1-5 choice Winterberry through an opening quarter in :22.80.
In rein to Sahin Civaci, the Katerina Vassilieva trainee continued to stride confidently along on the front end and had extended her advantage over Winterberry to 2 ½ lengths at the half in :45.30.
Still full of run around the turn for home, Pop Idol then proceeded to power away from her pursuers in upper stretch with ease and went on to cross the line the easiest of winners by 2 ½ lengths in a time of 1:10.62.
Nata Trouble was second, while War Signal, who was reluctant to load, came with an impressive late run to secure third. Periwinkle was fourth.
“She tries hard for sure,” said Civaci, who had a banner day, winning six of the afternoon’s 10 races. “She has good talent, and she shows it on the track.
“Every time she's here, she gets more comfortable with the track, and she does the job well.”
The daughter of Maclean’s Music out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Unspurned was making her first start with Vassilieva as the conditioner.
“I’m definitely happy to have her in the barn. And you know, the full credit really goes to Mr. Weaver, who's conditioned her so well. My job was easy, I just basically had to maintain his great training. So, I'm very thankful for the opportunity.
“I would be delighted to have horses like her any time. She’s been a pleasure to have, and she’s always welcome back here.”
Owned by R.A. Hill Stable and Weaver, Pop Idol debuted with a third over 5 ½ panels on the Woodbine main track on June 22.
After a fourth at the same distance over the Saratoga main track, Pop Idol returned to Toronto and promptly broke her maiden, again at 5 ½ furlongs on the main, on Aug. 31.
She was sixth in the Grade 3 Matron at Aqueduct on Oct. 6 and arrived at the Shady Well off a 2 ¼-length score at six furlongs on the Woodbine main track on Oct. 26.
Bred by Christine Hayden, Pop Idol, now 3-0-1 from 6 starts, paid $12.90 for the win. Patriotic War and Princess of Storm were scratched.
Racing continues Sunday with a 1:10 post time. The $150,000 Clarendon Stakes is the feature.
Chris Lomon, Woodbine
