Favored Something Extra proved a popular front-running winner of the $211,018 Highlander Stakes (Can-IIT) (VIDEO) July 6 on the Woodbine turf course, defeating 2013 champion Canadian sprinter Phil's Dream with Eurico Rosa Da Silva aboard.
The 8-5 choice in a field of 10 grass sprinters, Something Extra was timed in a speedy 1:07.78 for six furlongs over firm ground while holding off Phil's Dream by 1 1/4 lengths. Longshots Lockout and Awesome Eclipse followed in a tight photo for second.
A furlong less worked to the benefit of Something Extra after the 6-year-old Indian Charlie gelding was overhauled by Excaper by half a length in Woodbine's seven-furlong Connaught Cup (Can-IIT) May 31 over the course.
Leaving from the rail in the Highlander, Something Extra had a pace contender in 35-1 shot Sparrowhawk, contributing to a fast early tempo as the pacesetters carved splits of :21.86 and :43.92 for the first half mile. As Sparrowhawk faded, Something Extra shook clear in the drive as 24-1 Lockout and 60-1 Awesome Eclipse launched their bids on the outside. Phil's Dream, seeking room from between horses after stalking the pace, was forced to wait for room.
Once clear, the winner of last fall's Nearctic Stakes (Can-I) could not catch the determined Something Extra, who scored impressively for trainer Gail Cox, who owns the dark bay in partnership with John Menary.
Phil's Dream outlasted Lockout for second by a nose, with Awesome Eclipse another neck back after hanging a bit in deep stretch.
Something Extra won for the first time since the 2013 Connaught Cup (a race he also won in 2012), though he had started just three times since then heading into Sunday's race. He earned his eighth win from 25 starts overall while boosting his earnings to $742,543.
Bred in Kentucky by Gulf Coast Farms out of the multiple stakes-placed Mt. Livermore mare Our Mariah, Something Extra posted his third win on the Woodbine grass.
Something Extra carried 123 pounds and paid $5.50, $3.30, and $2.60, keying a $26.10 exacta with the 4-1 second choice Phil's Dream, who returned $4.40 and $3.30 while shouldering top weight of 126 pounds. Lockout paid $7.70 to show.
Awesome Eclipse was followed by Mr. Online, Havelock, Stormy Rush, Occasional View, Bear No Joke, and Sparrowhawk.
Something Extra wins the 2014 Highlander Stakes.
Michael Burns