Gouldings Green Much Best in Woodbine Raid

(from Woodbine report)
American invader Gouldings Green captured the $151,600 Chinese Cultural Centre Seagram's Cup (Can-III) in convincing fashion Sunday at Woodbine.

Trained by Anthony Reinstedler and owned by the Melnyk Racing Stables, the white-faced 5-year-old seized command inside the final furlong and drew off to a 2 1/4-length victory over runner-up Ever So Free and third-place finisher Barbeau Ruckus.

The 4-5 favorite Gouldings Green completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.76, the fastest time run over the three-week old temporary inner dirt track. The victory was his seventh win from 14 career starts, elevating his lifetime earnings to (U.S.) $493,538.

Jockey Corey Lanerie provided the son of Charismatic with a smart ride, saving every inch of ground before finding his mount running room late on the far turn.

"With these sharp turns, I figured a few guys would be hustling for position," said Lanerie, the horse's partner for the sixth consecutive race. "I tried to use the rail post to my advantage and hustled him away from there. I was able to sit in the pocket around the first turn and going down the backside."

Gouldings Green rated patiently behind the front-end duo of Northern Candy and Roving Angel, the lone filly in the nine-horse field. The set solid fractions of :22 3/5, :46 4/5 and 1:11 3/5.

"I got a little worried that the horses in front might stop in my face. But I had enough horse where I could maneuver my way through. Once I showed him daylight, he proved he was the best horse."

The victory was the second graded stakes triumph of Gouldings Green's career. Two starts ago, he finished second in the Hanshin Handicap (gr. III) at Arlington Park, but was moved up as a result of the disqualification of Fifteen Rounds.

The victory was the second in five Canadian starts for Reinstedler, who saddled the 2003 Charlie Barley Stakes winner Moonshine Hall.

"He's an honest horse every time you take him over there," said Reinstedler. "He's run over everything I've pointed him towards. I felt like the biggest thing for him was getting acclimated."

Gouldings Green returned $3.60, $2.60, and $2.40, combining with Ever So Free ($5.60, $4.40) for a $24.10 exacta. Barbeau Ruckus ($2.80) completed a $58.40 trifecta.

Roving Angel finished fourth, followed by High Volt Jolt, Alleged Ruler, Twisted Wit, Forever Rush, and Northern Candy.

(Chart, Equibase)