No More Options rallies to win Frost King / Olivia Rose comes up roses in South Ocean
TORONTO, October 28, 2023 – No More Options was full of run late to take the $100,000 Frost King Stakes on Saturday at Woodbine.
With a patient Kazushi Kimura at the controls, No More Options, a son of Frac Daddy-Stoney Miss, watched his rivals slug it out on the front end before assuming command with a strong inside surge in the 6 ½-furlong main track affair for Ontario-sired 2-year-olds, going on score in his first stakes appearance.
Sent off at 16-1, second longest shot on the board, the Zeljko Krcmar trainee sat fourth along the rail through an opening quarter in :22.97 established by Garofoli and remained fourth after a half-mile timed in :45.89.
Once the five-horse field straightened for home, Kimura had No More Options in top gear. The pair were third at the stretch call and then powered home to notch a 2 ½-length triumph in the milestone victory. Siesta Beach rallied along the rail to finish second, three-quarters of a length ahead of 1-5 choice Junior Hot Shot.
The final time was 1:16.44.
“I would say this one may have needed more ground, but he stayed close and finished up really strong,” said Kimura.
Bred by Laurel Byrne and owned by Mary Self, the dark bay colt improved his record to 2-0-2 from four starts while winning his second straight race.
“We’re very, very happy, and I’m happy for my dad,” said Self. “Eighty-two-years-old and this is a big deal for him. That’s why I do it, for my dad. I just knew he’d find a place. Kazushi will always find a place, so I had full faith in him, and the horse is just incredible. I’m very blessed.
“I like older horses I know are going to win,” continued Self. “We found him [No More Options] at the OBS sale and he just stood out. He’s my second 2-year-old ever. Lord of Legends did great for us, and he’s number two, and he’s wonderful.”
After a pair of thirds to start his career, No More Options broke his maiden before the Frost King, a 6 ½-length romp over one mile on the inner turf on October 8.
No More Options paid $34.20 for the win. Hatmaker Gizmo and Olivia Rose were scratched.
TORONTO, October 28, 2023 - In other stakes action on Saturday at the Toronto oval, Olivia Rose dominated the $100,000 South Ocean Stakes, a 6 ½-furlong main track race for Ontario-sired 2-year-old fillies.
Sent on her way as the 7-5 choice, Olivia Rose took the lead quickly after the break and was followed by Hurricane Clair, one-length behind the pacesetter, through an opening quarter timed in :23.36.
With Kazushi Kimura aboard, Olivia Rose, trained by dual hall of famer Mark Casse, reached the half in :45.97, and then began to shake loose from her pursuers.
Ahead by four lengths at the stretch call, the dark bay, who arrived at the South Ocean off a runner-up effort in the Victorian Queen Stakes on September 24, crossed the wire 6 ½ lengths clear of Hurricane Clair. Fourfiftyfour was third. Lady Wellington, Gradevole and Red Eleanor rounded out the order of finish.
The final time was 1:15.74.
“Every race it feels like she’s really improving,” said Kimura, who swept the day’s stakes races, winning the Frost King two races earlier and racking up five victories altogether. I’m really appreciative that Mark gives me the opportunity to ride these nice horses.
“She has a natural speed, and it was easy to get the lead,” he continued. “I was a little bit concerned she was too aggressive but at the three-eighths, she showed me the second gear. I was like, ‘Oh, she’s going to be an easy winner.’”
Bred and owned by Gabe Grossberg, the daughter of Silent Name (JPN)-Malibu Sunrise recorded her first stakes win and is now 2-2-0 from five starts.
Casse leads all trainers with five South Ocean victories. The dual Hall of Fame conditioner won the 2009 edition with Attitude Included, the 2014 running with Galina Point, in 2018 with Preferred Guest and in 2021 with Ya Mar.
Olivia Rose paid $4.90 for the win.
Chris Lomon, Woodbine Communications / @WoodbineComms
