Uncaptured remained unbeaten in four starts as a 2-year-old with a smart 3 1/4-length victory over three opponents in the $172,565 Swynford Stakes Sept. 9 at Woodbine (VIDEO).
Ridden with extreme confidence by Patrick Husbands, the 1-5 favorite stalked the pace to the turn and came into the stretch seven paths wide to challenge the leader Five Iron . Uncaptured headed Five Iron approaching mid-stretch and was ridden out to a handy win.
The son of Lion Heart was timed in 1:22.49 for seven furlongs on Polytrack.
John C. Oxley owns Uncaptured, who is trained by Mark Casse. The dark bay/brown colt was bred in Ontario by William D. Graham. Consigned by Four Star Sales, agent, Uncaptured was purchased by Casse for $290,000 out of the 2011 Keeneland September yearling sale.
Out of the Arch mare Captivating, Uncaptured is a half sibling to dual Canadian stakes winner Dancing Raven (by Tomahawk), who has earned $396,338. They are the only starters from four foals to date for the 10-year-old mare Captivating, who was unplaced in two lifetime starts as a competitor.
Casse assistant trainer Kathryn Sullivan was taken by the maturity of Uncaptured, who is under strong consideration for the Grey Goose Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I) Nov. 3 at Santa Anita Park.
"He's been just incredible and Patrick handles him so well," said Sullivan. "He's so professional in the paddock. Nothing seems to bother him and so far, he's just been perfect. Sometimes, they're their own worst enemies, they get upset, and take their race before they even hit the track and that's certainly not him. He's a nice horse and he's done everything right."
All four of Uncaptured's victories have come on Woodbine's Polytrack, including three stakes wins. He began his career in May with a nose victory in a maiden special weight at 4 1/2 furlongs. His next start, the 5 1/2-furlong Clarendon Stakes June 30, produced a 5 1/2-length tally. In the six-furlong Vandal July 28, Uncaptured prevailed by one length, leading to his easy win in the Swynford.
Uncaptured has now exceeded his purchase price with earnings of $334,324.
In the Swynford, Uncaptured showed early speed before dropping one to two lengths back in third as Five Iron and Dan the Tin Man dueled through quarter-mile fractions of :22.74 and :45.25. Uncaptured cruised up on the outside of the leaders on the turn and was floated out coming off the bend as he launched his winning bid while well in hand for Husbands.
Husbands, who has ridden Uncaptured in all of his races, was pleased with the young colt's effort in his first attempt at an extended sprint.
"He was going seven-eighths for the first time and he left (the starting gate) aggressive and by the time he came out of the chute he relaxed," said Husbands. "He's just a little class horse."
Five Iron, ridden by Alex Solis, finished second by 1 1/2 lengths over Dan the Tin Man and Corey Fraser. Platitude trailed throughout.
Carrying top weight of 122 pounds, Uncaptured paid $2.40 to win. There was no place or show wagering. The exacta was worth $5.40.
Brilliant Comet was a stewards scratch.