Souper Hoity Toity springs the upset in Grade 3 Selene
TORONTO, July 2, 2022 – Super Hoity Toity, one of three Mark Casse entrants, notched her first stakes score via an 8-1 upset in the Grade 3 $150,900 Selene Stakes, Saturday at Woodbine.
Join the Dance, also a Casse trainee, took the lead in the 1 1/16-mile main track event for three-year-old fillies, leading her six rivals through a tepid opening quarter of :25.19.
Sixth after the opening split, Super Hoity Toity, under Patrick Husbands, was positioned second after a half-mile reached in :49.84. As the field turned for home, Husbands had the Kentucky-bred filly ready to take aim at Join the Dance.
Mid-way down the lane, the daughter of Uncle Mo-Town Tour struck front and then braced for the challenge of even-money choice Catiche but fended off that foe to cross the wire a three-quarter length winner in a time of 1:45.11. Catiche was second and Mrs. Barbara, last year’s Canadian champion two-year-old filly, also conditioned by Casse, finished third. Join the Dance rounded out the top four.
“Once we left the gate, I could see the speed horse [Catiche] missed the break, and no one wanted the lead. My horse was a little bit rank to me. I tried to get across, and then everybody was rushing in. Everybody did the same as me. I turned my horse loose, so we had a fight for position in the first turn. I tried not to let Emma [jockey, Wilson] get things the way she was going. My filly was going so easy down the back, and as I went up the sixteenth and the half, towards Emma, she went on and I sat and sat, then chased her down.”
Bred by Dr. Richard Holder & Coolmore, it was the third win from five starts for the bay, who was making her sophomore debut. She concluded her rookie campaign with a fourth-place effort in the Grade 3 Mazarine on November 28.
It was the fifth straight Selene crown for Casse and record eighth overall.
Super Hoity Toity returned $18, $7 and $4.20, combining with Catiche ($3, $2.30) for a $46.40 exactor. Mrs. Barbara ($3.10) rounded out a $145.10 triactor. Join the Dance completed a $1 superfecta worth $259.50. Gizala was scratched.
