TORONTO, Canada – Barbadian ace reinsman Patrick Husbands created a major upset when he rode to victory aboard Win for the Money in Saturday’s Grade 1, $1 million Rogers Woodbine Mile.
Patrick Husbands.It was the second time the 51-year-old Husbands captured the prestigious race, which is part of the Breeders’ Cup, having won it back in 2001 with Numerous Times.
Trained by Mark Casse for Live Oak Plantation, the chestnut (13-1), under a masterful ride from Husbands, notched his first graded success in grand fashion.
Stablemate Filo Di Arianna struck front after a brief scramble for the lead, as longshot Secret Reserve and 2-5 choice Naval Power settled into second and third, respectively, followed by another outsider, Niagara Skyline. Win for the Money was unhurried, running seventh of eight.
Ahead by a length through an opening panel in :23.05 over firm going, Filo Di Arianna, a multiple graded stakes winner riding a two-race win streak, loped along comfortably and maintained his length advantage after a half in :45.44.
A host of rivals, including Naval Power and Big Rock, came charging to the outside of the leader around the turn for home, while Husbands took the inside route down the long stretch run to the wire.
A head behind Filo Di Arianna at Robert Geller’s stretch call, the gelding kept gaining with every stride to earn a well-deserved 1 ½-length score. Filo Di Arianna took second place, a neck ahead of Big Rock, who was a length in front of Naval Power.
The final time was a quick 1:32.11.
Husbands, who was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame this year, was elated with the win.
“I must say, I give out respect to Mark [Casse]. I had a perfect trip. I figured, from reading the racing form, if I come off the pace, it’s my best chance. So, when he breaks, and he breaks so relaxed, I was happy.
“I was behind [jockey, William] Buick, he has a nice horse (Naval Power), and I knew when it’s time for him to go, I just got to follow him. So, he followed him the whole way,” Husbands said.
With Saturday’s win, Win for the Money, now 5-5-1 from 16 starts, earns automatic entry into the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Mile at Del Mar on November 2.
