Patrick Husbands and Classic Stamp saved their best for the homestretch, fittingly heading a top-three Canadian sweep in Sunday's $327,500 Canadian Stakes (Can-II) at Woodbine.The come-from-behind effort in the 1 1/8-mile event was the sixth consecutive top-three finish for trainer Cliff Hopmans' Regal Classic filly, who came into the race off a second-place finish to the highly regarded Hour of Justice in a turf event on Aug. 28 at Woodbine.The final time for the race was 1:43.59 over an E.P. Taylor Turf Course rated as "firm."Ray Sabourin took longshot Heyahohowdy to the front, cutting a quarter-mile clip in :23.46, with Inish Glora tracking a close second. Heyahohowdy held a head advantage over Inish Glora after a half-mile in :46.01, but Kabel and his charge were a menacing presence as the field rounded the final turn for home.In deep stretch, Classic Stamp, mid-pack at the three-quarter mark, forged to the front, besting Inish Glora by one length. Heyahohowdy held on gamely for third.Hopmans, who picked up his first stakes score of the season and first Canadian crown, was extremely pleased with the effort from his hard-knocking pupil."I'm just thrilled for the connections," said an elated Hopmans, of the Bill Sorokolit-owned filly. "To see them come up with such a wonderful filly is a thrill for me (and) for them."Husbands, a four-time Sovereign Award winner as Canada's top rider, was all smiles after the sterling showing from the lifetime winner of five races from 14 starts.
"She's an honest filly. Every time she races, she wants to run them down," said Woodbine's second leading rider in 2004. "She really tries so hard and she pulled off the win. I'm happy to be with this team."In victory, Classic Stamp earned $198,300. In all, the 4-year-old has banked $565,391 to date.She paid $23.90, $8.30 and $5.00, combining with favorite Inish Glora ($3.60, $2.90) for a $68.00 exacta. Heyahohowdy ($6.70) rounded out a $986.90 trifecta.(Chart, Equibase)
