Grade 3 Ontario Matron: Second (Woodbine) time the charm for Kate’s Kingdom
TORONTO, October 22, 2022 – Kate’s Kingdom, under Antonio Gallardo, rallied late to take the Grade 3 $152,800 Ontario Matron, for fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up, Saturday at Woodbine Racetrack.
After finishing third in her first appearance at the Toronto oval, the Grade 3 Trillium Stakes in August, Kate’s Kingdom, trained by Armando De La Cerda, went two better to notch her first graded crown for owner Stephen Screnci.
Ms Vancougar broke running in the 1 1/16-mile Tapeta event, with Dreaming of Drew crossing over from post nine to settle into second spot, even-money choice Our Flash Drive sitting third, and Kate’s Kingdom in tenth through an opening quarter reached in :23.96.
It was Ms Vancougar in front by a half-length over Dreaming of Drew at the half timed in :48.39, while Our Flash Drive, briefly checked, was able to get back into stride and picked up pursuit of the leaders. Kate’s Kingdom, enjoying a ground-saving trip, was seventh as the field headed into the final turn.
Gliding up and breezing past the pacesetters, multiple stakes-winning Our Flash Drive looked well in command mid-way down the lane, but a revved-up Kate’s Kingdom came calling to her outside and pushed by to earn a half-length triumph in a time of 1:41.94.
Our Flash Drive finished 5 ½ lengths ahead of Broadway Lady. Dreaming of Drew was fourth.
It was the fourth win, to go along with six seconds and a pair of thirds, from 18 starts for the consistent 4-year-old daughter of Animal Kingdom-Don'tgetmadalexis, who arrived at the Ontario Matron off a second in the Gem City Stakes at Presque Isle on September 19.
“Today, I had a really good trip,” said Gallardo. “First time [in the Trillium Stakes], I didn’t have the same luck. I had a really bad trip. There was no pace and I don’t know her. Too far behind, clipping heels, and I had to pull her all the way on the outside, seven-wide. Today, I am thinking I want to be a little more aggressive, maybe more close to the pace. I really like her. I knew for sure that she could do it today.”
De La Cerda was equally pleased with the result,
“She’s a pretty nice filly. I know last time she had a lot of trouble. I like Woodbine because I always bring my horses and I got lucky right here. I could run her in Presque Isle next week, but my owner decided let’s go to the Grade 3 and we won the Grade 3.”
Bred in Kentucky by Midwest Thoroughbreds Inc., the bay is 3-2-1 from nine starts on the campaign.
Kate’s Kingdom paid $18.40, $5.90 and $4.40, combining with Our Flash Drive ($3.20, $2.80) for a $74.90 exactor. The triactor with Broadway Lady ($5.90) returned $335.30. A $1 superfecta with Dreaming of Drew came back $650.85.
Chris Lomon, Woodbine Communications / @WoodbineComms
Grace Martin