Glitter Rox, the longest shot in the field at odds of 15-1, charged from between horses in deep stretch to register a three-quarters of a length win in the $169,842 Royal North Stakes (Can-III) (VIDEO) on the Woodbine turf course Aug. 1.
The 5-year-old Glitter Rox produced her first graded victory in her 2009 seasonal debut in the Royal North for trainer Ian Black. Jockey Gerry Olguin delivered the daughter of Glitterman to the winner's circle for the first time since the bay mare captured the Belle Geste Stakes over the Woodbine lawn more than 11 months ago.
Facing just four rivals, Glitter Rox saved ground all the way while reserved off a fast pace in the six-furlong event for fillies and mares. Canadian Ballet and Dancing Allstar fought for the lead through fractions of :22.67 and :45.12 on firm going.
Canadian Ballet opened a two-length advantage mid-stretch after Dancing Allstar tired in upper stretch. The 4-5 choice Saskawea and Mommie Whiz loomed into contention as Canadian Ballet came under urging from jockey Patrick Husbands.
But in the final sixteenth of a mile, Glitter Rox, advancing on the rail, found room between Canadian Ballet and Mommie Whiz to get the lead in the final strides under steady handling. Canadian Ballet edged Mommie Whiz by a neck for second. Saskawea, who evened out in the final furlong, finished fourth and Dancing Allstar trailed. The final time was 1:09.03.
Ellie-Boje Farm bred Glitter Rox in Ontario and owns him in partnership. She is out of Moriah Ifyouplease, by Dixieland Band.
Ellie-Boje are also the co-owners and breeder of 5-year-old Rahy's Attorney, named last year's champion male turf horse in Canada after winning the Woodbine Mile (Can-IT). Just last Sunday, Rahy's Attorney won his second stakes race of the season by capturing the Nijinsky (Can-IIT).
"She had a splint. We didn't get her in until April," explained Black, about this year's delayed debut of Glitter Rox. "To be honest, I was prepping her (today) for the Belle Geste (Aug. 23 at Woodbine). I had to start her somewhere. To get a graded win is incredible. It's been a great week. They (Ellie-Boje Farm) only bred the two (horses) that season. They're both graded stakes winners."
Glitter Rox's sixth lifetime win in 19 starts was worth $111,372 and boosted her overall earnings to $397,308. She has won four of seven starts on the Woodbine grass. In addition to her win in the Belle Geste, she ran second in the Repercussion Stakes last year and was also second in the 2007 Jammed Lovely.
"The race set up nice," Olguin said. "We were just hoping we would get her stakes-placed. When I asked her to run, she kicked in beautifully."
She carried 118 pounds and paid $32.60 and $10.60 while topping a $2 exacta worth $127.40. The New York-bred Canadian Ballet, making her Woodbine debut for trainer Linda Rice, returned $4.60. There was no show wagering.