Poulin in O T leaves no doubt in Victoria Stakes
TORONTO, July 17, 2022 – Poulin in O T didn’t need any late race heroics to capture Sunday’s $125,000 Victoria Stakes at Woodbine Racetrack.
The Steve Owens trainee, named for Canadian women’s hockey hero Marie-Philip Poulin, posted a statement 3 ¼ length victory over five rivals in the 5 ½ furlong event for two-year-olds on the Tapeta.
Owens admitted he was surprised by how easy his rookie won the Victoria.
“I would be a lot surprised (if told pre-race Poulin in O T would win easily) because there is a lot of preparation to get to this particular event,” said Owens. “We gave him a hard workout the other morning just because he didn’t get enough out of it a week and a half ago, so he worked :34.2 to get some air into him and today was a performance from that workout.”
Poulin in O T and jockey Luis Contreras calmly got away third in the early stages before rushing to the lead heading into the turn. The gelded son of Reload had separation on his rivals at the head of the lane and would power home to win in a final time of 1:04.71.
Even-money choice Battle Strike finished second, while Velocitor held off Kaukokaipuu for third.
Following up a victory from June 24, Poulin in O T is now two for two to start his young career for owners Owens and Empress Stable. The stakes victory is extra sweet for Owens as Poulin in O T is homebred.
“There is a lot of hours that go into this, especially 3 a.m. starts every morning. You get to see them develop from the day that they’re born and until the day they make their appearance at Woodbine.”
A $2 win ticket on Poulin in O T returned $8.50.
Live racing resumes Thursday at Woodbine Racetrack. Post time is 5 p.m.
Mark McKelvie