One for Rose Bests Males Again in Seagram Cup

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With regular rider Emile Ramsammy aboard the two-time Sovereign Award winner, One for Rose stalked the pacesetting Wake at Noon to mid-turn, when the 6-year-old mare drove clear and then held on to defeat her rivals.

At the finish of the 1 1/16-mile contest, timed in 1:44.18, One for Rose was three quarters of length in front of late-closing Honolua Storm, who in turn was two lengths to the good over New York-based Cuba.

Odds-on choice Cuba, who finished second to Honolua Storm in the Eclipse Stakes (Can-III) at the Toronto oval in May, came into the Seagram Cup off a third place finish (placed fifth for interference) to Limehouse in Belmont's Brooklyn Handicap (gr. II) on June 11.

The victory came as a relief to trainer Sid Attard, who was concerned the multiple-stakes winner might not be at the top of her game after a fifth-place finish in the Molly Pitcher Handicap (gr. II) at Monmouth on July 9. One for Rose was voted Canada's top older mare in 2003 and 2004.

But the daughter of Tejano Run showed her class – as well as her appreciation for the Toronto oval.

"It gets you scared a little bit," explained Attard of her defeat. "But she recovered very quickly. I never breezed her since the last race and just kept her happy. When I saw her sitting second today and the favorite (Cuba) behind us, I said, 'I think we've got a good shot.' And she kept on going."

Ramsammy, who has won the past three Seagrams, including the 2003 edition with Wake At Noon, added, "She's the queen of the country and it looks like she wants to be the king, too."

It was her second win in four starts this year after a sterling 2004 campaign in which 'Rose' racked up four wins from eight starts and $489,832.

One for Rose, who now has 14 wins from 26 career starts, picked up a pot of $96,660 for the victory, pushing her career bankroll to $1,305,298.

She paid $9.70, $5.10 and $2.30, combining with Honolua Storm ($4.80, $2.90) for a $50.10 exacta. Cuba ($2.10) completed a $91 trifecta.

(Chart, Equibase)