Judiths Wild Rush Romps to Vigil Repeat

Judiths Wild Rush, Canada's champion sprinter in 2005, made it back-to-back wins in the $150,000 Vigil Stakes (Can-III) at Woodbine on Saturday with a four-length score.

The 5-year-old, who was Canada's champion 2-year-old male in 2003 as well, joined Nearctic, Mr. Hot Shot, Kiridashi, and Wake At Noon as repeat winners of the Vigil.

It was also the second added-money triumph in a row for the Kentucky-bred son of Wild Rush, who took the six-furlong Jacques Cartier Stakes by 2 1/4 lengths, April 15 at the Toronto oval.

The gray horse, owned by Tenenbaum Racing Stable, stopped the clock in 1:22.51 for seven furlongs over a fast main track.

Jockey Jim McAleney settled Judiths Wild Rush just behind the early pacesetters, Twisted Wit and Record Buster, through opening splits of :22.92 and :45.95.

Judiths Wild Rush, who recorded his ninth career victory from 28 starts, was given the green light to seize the lead by McAleney just prior to the turn for home along the inside. They drew away under a strong had ride.

"This horse is going to go on and do great things," said McAleney, who was aboard Mr. Hot Shot for his Vigil "double" in 1989 and 1990. "This horse is at the top of his game."

The sentiment was echoed by trainer Reade Baker, who could be looking to the United States for Judiths Wild Rush's next start.

"Maybe we'll look at going in the True North (gr. II) at Belmont on June 10," said Baker. "This was his best effort by far today."

For Judiths Wild Rush, the win - worth $90,000 - raised his career earnings to $736,564.

He paid $2.80, $2.30, $2.10 across the board and combined with Gangster ($4.10, $2.80), ridden by Patrick Husbands, for a $10.40 exacta. High Volt Jolt ($2.7), with Constant Montpellier astride, rounded out a $28 trifecta.

Twisted Wit, Record Buster, Get, and Seeking the Carat followed.

(Chart, Equibase)