Time Of War Ambushes Sir Barton Foes

(from Woodbine report)
Time Of War, owned by Steve Stavro's Knob Hill Stable, shocked not only fans, but his trainer as well when he crossed the wire first at 22-1 in Saturday's $128,500 Sir Barton Stakes at Woodbine.

"He fooled me," said trainer Alec Fehr. "I was surprised."

Time Of War, a 3-year-old son of Iskandar Elakbar, came from mid-pack to take the 1 1/16-mile race by a half-length over Executive Legacy and early pacesetter Biddy's Lad in a running time of 1:46.10.

The even-money favorite El Gran Maestro disappointed by finishing fourth while beaten by nearly six lengths.

Jockey Jim McAleney, who earned his eighth stakes win of the meet in the Sir Barton, said Time Of War was full value for the win.

"He ran very well. He was in prime condition," McAleney said. "We were on the inside. We had to sit and wait for our opportunity. We waited until the head of the stretch to make our move and had only (Executive Legacy) left to beat and when I asked him to kick on, he did."

Fehr said the dark bay Ontario-bred, who won his only race from five previous starts last month, was improving. "I did think he was going to run a good race and he did. This was a good spot for him and Jimmy rode him very well."

Time Of War collected $77,100 for his Sir Barton effort to raise career earnings to $131,554.

As the longest shot on the board, he lit up the tote board, paying $45.90, $16.80, $4.20 across the board, combining with Executive Legacy ($7.10, $5.10) for a whopping $222.70 exacta. Biddy's Lad paid $4.80 to show and wrapped up a lucrative trifecta of $1,007.20.

(Chart, Equibase)