Simcoe sizzles again, this time in Grade 3 Vigil Stakes
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TORONTO, September 13, 2025 – Simcoe, under Rafael Hernandez, worked hard early and dug in late to win Saturday’s $150,000 Branded Cities Vigil Stakes (G3) at Woodbine.
A son of Uncle Mo out of the Pulpit mare Aurora Lights, Simcoe arrived at the seven-furlong main track race for 3-year-olds and up off a spectacular 5 ¾-length score at 6 ½ furlongs in the Bold Venture Stakes (G3) on August 16, which marked his first added-money win.
He might have been even more impressive this time.
Victory Achieved grabbed the early lead, but Simcoe, who won the Bold Venture in front-running fashion, struck front after steady urging from Hernandez to hold a head advantage through a sharp opening quarter in :22.21.
The dark bay continued to roll along on the front end and upped his lead to two lengths over Twin City through a half in :44.21, followed by Victory Achieved and I'm A Gambler (IRE).
Around the turn, a host of foes came calling, including Horsepower, who had burst between rivals at the top of the lane and set his sights on Simcoe, as well as Cruden Bay, who drove forward with a lively inside run.
On top by 1 ½ lengths at the stretch call, Simcoe, trained by Katerina Vassilieva, was resolute to the wire, going on to secure a 1 ¾-length win. Horsepower was second, one length ahead of Cruden Bay. Twin City was fourth.
The final time was 1:21.19.
“When the gates opened, he was laying back, and then he missed the break a little bit,” said Hernandez. “But I hustled to get in the lead, and you can see what he can do.”
“He's been training really well since his last race, and just feeling like the man, feeling full of himself and really confident,” added Vassilieva. “And I was confident in him, but, of course, you never know if they're going to give you a bounce. I was hoping it wasn't going to be today. And you know, he proved that he’s still on his game."
A homebred (Ontario) for Chiefswood Stables Limited, the 5-year-old gelding is now 7-4-0 from 19 starts and 5-4-0 over his past nine races.
Jamar Goddard is the groom.
Simcoe paid $4.60 for the win.
Chris Lomon, Woodbine
