Augustin Stable's Lucky Lindy broke through emphatically Sept. 20, taking the $150,000 Ontario Derby (Can-III) at Woodine.
Video: Ontario Derby (G3)
The Harlan's Holiday colt stalked the pace, took command at the top of the stretch, and kicked clear with ease to take the 1 1/8 event on Woodbine's synthetic main track by 3 3/4 lengths. The Ontario Derby was not only his first graded score, but was his first victory against winners after breaking his maiden at Woodbine in June.
Comfortably in third during the backstretch run, while frontrunner Decision Day set fractions of :25.38, :50.08, and 1:14.17 through six furlongs, Lucky Lindy moved up on the outside on the final turn and put away his rivals. Favored Billy's Star closed from last in the seven-horse field to take second, and Breaking Lucky rallied similarly to pick up show honors.
Under a confident ride by Robby Albarado, Lucky Lindy hit the wire in 1:50.65 on a track rated fast.
"Today was a nice race for him," Albarado said. "We thought they'd go pretty slow up front and they did. I think this horse is good enough to go other places outside of Ontario. He's a horse that can win in Kentucky, Florida, and even New York. I don't think we really know the depth of him yet."
The winner paid $7.70, $3.50, and $2.60 across the board. Billy's Star brought $3.30 and $2.30, while Breaking Lucky brought $3.20 to show.
Lucky Lindy has been involved in every one of his races since breaking his maiden, but his last three starts before the Ontario Derby were all on turf, including a third-place finish in the $500,000 Breeders' Stakes.
"He had some 2-year-old issues, so it took just a little longer," winning trainer Mark Frostad said. "He was a little backward. He's coming along beautifully and his best racing days are ahead of him. We're looking forward to a serious 4-year-old year and hopefully beyond. Hopefully we can get to Gulfstream this winter and make an impact there."
Beat Goes On finished an even fourth, followed by Decision Day, Ethical Funds, and Firespike, to complte the order of finish. Kingsport was scratched.
Bred in Ontario by George Strawbridge, Jr., Lucky Lindy now has a 2-2-1 record from six starts and earnings of $186,571.
