Seductively Steams to Victory in Selene Stakes

Kinghaven Farms' homebred Seductively set all the fractions after a fast start and held off a late challenge from Angel On Watch to win the $283,000 Selene Stakes (Can-III) at Woodbine on Wednesday night.

By capturing her first stakes race in six career starts, the Canadian-bred daughter of Thunder Gulch added her name to a growing list of possible candidates for the $500,000 Labatt Woodbine Oaks on June 11.

Competing in her first career two-turn event, Seductively carved out fractions of :23.72, :48.25 and 1:12.23 and stayed on in the stretch for the three-quarter length score. The filly's final time of 1:44.48 was the third fastest 1 1/16-mile race of the season at Woodbine, less than a half-second slower than times recorded by older males Sky Diamond on May 13 and by Arch Hall in Monday's Eclipse Stakes (Can-III).

Sam-Son Farms charge Angel On Watch finished second in the Selene, while Top Notch Lady finished third, 1 ½ lengths behind the winner.

Before the Selene, Seductively competed in the May 7 Fury Stakes, but her saddle slipped at the start, causing her to lose all chance. Jockey Gerry Olguin said a key equipment change helped his bay's cause in the four-horse Selene.

"We decided to use a breast plate today. I think that was the difference," said the 33-year-old rider.

Seductively built herself a four-length lead on the first turn, at which point Olguin tried to conserve his filly's energy for the remainder of the trip.

"On the first turn, they were really far back. I tried to slow her down. When they came to her, I let her out a notch," explained Olguin.

Olguin said he and trainer Ian Black thought the filly had talent. "Since this spring, she's been training very well. She finally showed up."

Black, who was Kinghaven's farm manager for many years, assumed training duties of the successful operation last year.

The (Canadian) $187,500 winner's share elevates Seductively's career earnings to $256,130.

Seductively is out of talented Kinghaven mare Torrid Affair, who won six of her 14 starts, including three Woodbine stakes events.

Seductively returned $16.60 to win and $3.90 to place, combining with Angel On Watch ($2.70) for a $57.60 exacta. Trifecta and show wagering were canceled.

The last three winners of the Selene (Too Late Now, Eye of the Sphynx, Gold Strike) have gone on to capture the Labatt Woodbine Oaks.

The Selene was originally scheduled last Sunday but was postponed when high winds forced the cancellation of the last seven races on the program.

(Chart, Equibase)