(from Woodbine report)
Jim Dandy Stable's Kesagami led at every call to register his first stakes triumph in Woodbine's CAN$250,000 Coronation Futurity for Canadian breds on the Polytrack Nov. 4.
The 2-year-old son of Carson City broke sharply, opened up a 4 1/2-length lead after a half-mile and repelled a challenge in the final furlong by Deputiformer, winner of last month's Cup and Saucer Stakes.
Ridden by Patrick Husbands, Kesagami won by 1 1/4 lengths, covering 1 1/8 miles in 1:53.40. The Ontario-bred is trained by Sid Attard.
The 6-5 favorite Cool Gator was gaining late for Emma-Jayne Wilson and tagged Deputiformer and Jono Jones for second by a head at the wire.
Kesagami, a half-brother to Labatt Woodbine Oaks winner Ginger Gold, has won two of three in his young career. The victory was worth CAN$150,000.
After his 21st added-money victory of the Woodbine season, Husbands said he didn't expect to get away with fractions as slow as :25.62, :50.81 and 1:16.35.
"He did everything easily. Nobody was really worried about me. When I asked him he gave me 110 per cent. He was responding," said Husbands.
Attard commended Husbands.
"Most of the time when I see a horse in front, even with a slow pace, I'm worried. But with Patrick, I never worry. He's been riding really well," said Attard.
Jim Dandy, who was represented by third-place finisher Jiggs Coz in this year's Queen's Plate, is the stable name of long-time owner and breeder Mel Lawson.
The last Coronation Futurity winner to go on and win the Queen's Plate was Norcliffe in 1976.
Kesagami returned $8.10, $3.70, $2.60, combining with Cool Gator ($2.80, $2.10) for a $21.70 exacta. Deputiformer ($2.30) rounded out a $35.60 trifecta in the six-horse field. Go in Peace, Doneraile Gem and Giant Gambit completed the order. All carried 122 pounds.
(Chart, Equibase)
Kesagami triumphs in the Coronation Futurity.
