Unleashing a strong turn of foot entering the stretch, longshot Riding the River rallied from last to first under jockey Todd Kabel to post an upset in the King Edward Stakes Presented by TVG (Can-IIT) at Woodbine Racecourse June 24 (VIDEO).
Favored Hothersal, with Patrick Husbands up, jumped out early while being closely tracked by Big Band Sound and Stormy Lord, with the latter moving up along the inside nearing the turn in the one-turn mile turf test and taking a brief lead into the turn. With the pace quickening—a half-mile in :45.92 and six furlongs in 1:09.54, Stormy Lord was soon overtaken as the rest of the field kicked in as they raced into the stretch.
Kabel and Riding the River, content to race in the rear of the six-horse field, charged on the outside to lead the closers, with Big Band Sound and Hollinger providing a stiff challenge. In the end Riding the River prevailed by a neck over Big Band Sound as the final time of 1:32.89 was just a tick off the 1:31.84 course record set by Royal Regalia on July 4, 2004.
The longest shot in the field at 13-1, Riding the River returned $29.20, $11.00, and $4.30. Big Band Sound was worth $4.90 and $3.20 and Hollinger $3.00 in the show spot. They were followed by Hothersal, Trend, and Stormy Lord.
A 5-year-old gelded son of Wiseman's Ferry—Glow Ruby Go, by Rubiano, Riding the River is trained by David Cotey for owners Dominion Bloodstock, HGHR Inc., and Linmac Farm. He was bred in Kentucky by Juliana Orem.
The King Edward was the first stakes triumph for Riding the River, who broke an eight-race winless streak with the win. A $3,500 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky fall yearling purchase in 2008. Riding the River has earned $413,312 with a career tally of seven wins, a second, and two thirds from 17 starts.
Riding the River
Michael Burns Photography