After three losses to start his career, it was the first victory for David James’ Deputiformer, who had finished second in a pair of maiden special weight contests at Woodbine last month.

A gelded son of Silver Deputy, Deputiformer was rated along the rail in the backstretch by Jono Jones, while pacesetter Tobar went a quarter in :23.85 and a half-mile in :47.05. At that point, Deputiformer was last in the field of 13.

After three-quarters, Zarroc had a narrow advantage over Tobar, but by the time they reached the top of the stretch, the field was bunched together. Northern Kraze had stuck a head in front after a mile in 1:12.03, while Deputiformer, trained by Mike DePaulo, was in the midst of his move, now fourth.

In the stretch drive, Jones angled Deputiformer toward the outside, between the five-wide Cryptonite Kid and Mossbank. Deputiformer, at odds of 6-1, out-finished 3-2 favorite Cryptonite Kid in the final yards.

"Mike had specific instructions: Take him back, put him on the rail, save ground, and make a run," Jones said. "I did that, and it worked out great."

Out of Dynaformer   mare Barney’s Mistress, Deputiformer completed the eight-and-a-half furlongs in 1:44.47. Second betting choice Seattle Hill closed from far back to get third.

Bred in Ontario by Windfields Farm, Deputiformer paid $14.50 to win. The exacta (11-8) returned $46.90.

Deputiformer, who started his career with a sixth-place finish in the Aug. 12 Vandal Stakes at Woodbine, was purchased for $90,000 at the Keeneland 2006 September yearling sale.

"He ran a great race today," said DePaulo. "We thought he'd get the mile-and-one-sixteenth, and Jono gave him a great ride. Everything worked out. Jono weaved his way through, and we got lucky.

"He's out of a Dynaformer mare, and Silver Deputy (foals) handle (turf). We thought he'd like it. (Owner James) had Shillelagh Slew. Hopefully this horse will follow in his footsteps."

(Chart, Equibase)