Tucci Stables' 4-year-old filly One For Rose continued her late season surge for a Sovereign Award with dominating wire-to-wire 6 1/4-length victory over seven rivals in the $196,250 Maple Leaf Stakes (Can-III) at Woodbine Saturday.Emile Ramsammy sent the dark bay daughter of Tejano Run straight to the front, cutting slow early fractions of 24.47 and 49.19 seconds in the 1 1/4-mile race. With the soft half in tow, there was plenty in the tank as One For Rose repelled a bid by runner-up Winning Chance at the top of the stretch and drew off to the win in 2:03.50. "(One For Rose) got to the lead pretty easily and relaxed nicely," Ramsammy said. "She was doing it so quietly, I knew it was going to take somebody exceptionally good to run by her today. She's a nice horse."Trainer Sid Attard says his seven-time winner is in good form, noting three wins in her last four starts, including a 9 ½-length tally in the Algoma Stakes on Sept. 1. "She's getting good at the right time," he said. "She showed up big today."One For Rose collected $117,750 for the Maple Leaf win to raise her career earnings to $475,511.She paid $3.40, $2.60, $2.20 across the board and combined with Winning Chance ($3.60, $2.70) for a $9.70 exacta. Clouds of Gold ($3.50), who was third, beaten 12 ½ lengths, rounded out the $44.70 trifecta.Raylene, the well-regarded invader from western Canada, was a non-threatening fifth, beaten over 16 lengths. Both Winning Chance and Raylene are considered key contenders for the older filly and mare Sovereign Award.
(Chart, Equibase)