Front-running Rahy's Attorney turned the tables on rival Sterwins in the $283,475 King Edward Stakes (Can-IIT) (VIDEO) June 27 at Woodbine, refusing to give way when challenged in the long homestretch to post a one-length victory.
Ridden by Slade Callaghan, the 5-year-old Crown Attorney gelding returned to the winner's circle for the first time since upsetting the Woodbine Mile (Can-IT) at odds of 12-1 Sept. 7.
Coming off a six-month absence in the Connaught Cup (Can-IIIT) at Woodbine May 24, Rahy's Attorney lost a head decision to Sterwins in a hard-fought drive after leading by two lengths with a furlong left to run.
With likely pace challenger Marlang scratched from the rematch, a 1 1/8-mile turf event, Rahy's Attorney was able to dictate a reserved clip throughout while maintaining a comfortable lead over French Beret and Sterwins. Fractions were :24.63, :47.83, and 1:10.35 on "firm" going.
Rahy's Attorney quickened on the turn and held the advantage into the stretch as French Beret soon gave way and Society's Chairman ranged into contention. Sterwins, ridden by Patrick Husbands, increased the pressure mid-stretch but Rahy's Attorney, under a drive from Callaghan, held sway. The final time was 1:44.73.
Sterwins was angled to the outside early and made a run at Rahy's Attorney on the backstretch while continuing to rate on the outside. He pushed hard on the leader in the lane and finished all out. Baletti, the slight 9-5 favorite in the field of six, rallied smartly from last while wide on the final bend to nose Society's Chairman for the show spot, 1 3/4 lengths behind Sterwins. Wollemi Pine and French Beret trailed.
A Canadian homebred of Ellie-Boje Farm, which owns the bay in partnership with Read Peters and Jean and Jim MacLellan, Rahy's Attorney is trained by Ian Black. Rahy's Attorney won for the seventh time in 10 starts on the Woodbine turf. His overall mark is 8-3-4 in 21 starts with earnings of $1,264,500. The victory was worth $149,471.
Rahy's Attorney is is out of the Rahy mare Rahy's Hope.
Sent off as the narrow third choice, the winner carried top weight of 126 pounds and returned $6.80, $3.20, and $2.40. Sterwins, first or second in five of his past six races for trainer Malcolm Pierce, paid $2.90 and $2.10. New York invader Baletti, making his stakes debut for trainer Angel Penna Jr., was $2.70 to show.
Rahy's Attorney is in control in the King Edwards Stakes.
Michael Burns