Work of art: Casson leads Casse trifecta finish in Victoria Stakes
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TORONTO, July 12, 2025 – Mark Casse trainee Casson, under Rafael Hernandez, bested stablemates Jupiter, and Rude Procedure in the $125,000 Victoria Stakes on Saturday afternoon at Woodbine.
Earlier in the week, assistant trainer Kathryn Sullivan wondered what it would be like to see the Casse trio, all debut winners, go up against one another in their first stakes appearance.
Sullivan was undoubtedly pleased with the result in the 5 ½-furlong main track engagement for 2-year-olds.
Rude Procedure and first-time starter Valley of Kings vied for the lead steps out of the gate, but it was Casson, off a step slowly, who would seize control strides before the opening quarter in :22.79.
The roan colt continued to lead the way and widened his advantage over Rude Procedure. Hernandez called upon a confident Casson into the turn for home as the duo looked to separate themselves from their pursuers, while Jupiter split foes, looking to track down the free-wheeling frontrunner.
Ahead by three at the stretch call, Casson glided to the wire a 2 ½-length victor. Jupiter was second, 2 ¾ lengths ahead of Rude Procedure. Fistfulofmoney was fourth and Valley of Kings was fifth.
The final time was 1:04.31.
“He broke a little slow,” said Hernandez. “He was outside, so he broke a little bit out, and when I tapped him in the shoulder, he started picking up. So, I let him cruise.
“My horse was just kind of waiting for me to start moving there to give me a second gear. I had total confidence.”
It was the second straight superlative showing from Casson, who is named after A. J. Casson, a member of the famed Canadian group of artists known as the Group of Seven.
A son of Caravaggio out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Zee Ro Drop, Casson turned heads after a dazzling debut win on May 11 at Woodbine.
Sent on his way as the 3-5 choice, he was in command at every call in the 4 ½-furlong main track maiden special weight sprint, crossing the wire a four-length winner in :52.69.
Owned by Manfred and Penny Conrad, and bred by Ballycroy Training Centre & Villa Rosa Farms, Casson was purchased for $200,000 at the 2024 Keeneland Association September Yearling Sale.
He returned $9.20 for the Victoria win.
Chris Lomon, Woodbine
