After stalking the pace throughout most of the 6 ½-furlong $141,250 Bold Venture Stakes at Woodbine on Sunday, I'm the Tiger, piloted by Todd Kabel, pounced on his rivals.After seizing the lead with authority around the final turn, I'm the Tiger dug in, fending off a late charge from multiple-stakes winner Twisted Wit and I Thee Wed, who rallied for third-place honors.The son of Siphon finished 1 ½-lengths in front in an impressive time of 1:15.69 over a main track rated as "fast." I'm the Tiger enjoyed a rail-skimming journey in the afternoon feature, as outsider Lakefield blistered through hot opening fractions of :21.90 and :44.36, an ideal clip for the jockey who had his charge on the prowl almost from the outset.After a failed try on the turf in his last start, trainer Dan Vella was thrilled to see the 'Tiger' come back with a strong effort."We tried the turf and it certainly didn't work, but this is a wonderful horse," said Vella of the lifetime winner of five races from 11 starts. "He showed today that he can run with the best of them." Favorite Chris's Bad Boy finished eighth in the 10-horse field.I'm the Tiger paid $18.50, $8.20 and $6.40, combining with Twisted Wit ($6.70, $5.90) for a $132.40 exacta. I Thee Wed ($5.50) completed a $1,020.70 trifecta.
(Chart, Equibase)
