TORONTO, October 6, 2024 – Scorching, under Patrick Husbands, finished second, but was promoted to first in Sunday’s $250,000 Cup & Saucer Stakes at Woodbine.
Contested over the E.P. Taylor turf, the 1 1/16-mile feature showcasing Canadian-foaled 2-year-olds attracted a competitive group of 10 hopefuls.
It was Kokomo, crossing over from the outside post, who set the early tone, as the trio of 5-2 second choice Scorching, 8-1 No Time, and 89-1 Dilwaala, settled in behind the pacesetter.
Ahead by two lengths at the quarter in :23.26, Kokomo continued to run unfettered on the front, followed by Dilwaala and No Time, while Scorching, tucked in along the rail, sat fourth.
Kokomo was still on top through a half in :46.53, upping his advantage to 2 ½ lengths over Scorching, as others, including Dewolf and No Time looked to make inroads on the freewheeling frontrunner heading into the turn for home.
Scorching seized command in upper stretch and was then confronted to the outside by Dewolf, who came into the race off stakes success in the Bull Page last month, while Ashley’s Archer, in between the lead duo, quickly arrived on the scene.
From there, it came down to a battle between Ashley’s Archer and Scorching, with the former crossing the line a nose in front.
The drama didn’t end there.
Stewards deemed Ashley’s Archer had interfered with Ready for Candy down the lane, and was subsequently disqualified and placed fifth, which elevated Scorching to the win position. After the review, Dewolf was second, followed by No Time, and Ready for Candy.
The final time over good going was 1:42.69.
“We got a long, straight run,” said Husbands. “With these babies, you’ve just got a little patient. The last six or seven strides he was on the wobbly side, but he tried.
“He’s more like an older horse. He’s very smart, very intelligent.”
It was the second straight stakes victory for the son of Mo Town-Samsal, who took top prize in the $200,000 Simcoe Stakes on Aug. 25 at Woodbine.
John Charalambous, who trains for Paul Braverman and Timothy Pinch, was ecstatic with the win.
“It’s pretty special,” said Charalambous. “I know we didn’t cross the line first [today], but it was a close photo. This was very special, and I’m looking forward to the next step.”
Which could be in the Coronation Futurity (1 1/8 miles on the main track, Nov. 30).
“This is unbelievable,” said Charalambous. “I have to thank Paul Braverman and Timothy Pinch for giving me some outstanding horses to train. I’m very fortunate to train a horse like this. This horse acts like a 5-year-old, and he’s just so laid back and has a lot of class.”
Scorching made his debut over 5 ½ furlongs on the Woodbine main track on July 19, finishing second at 35-1.
Bred by Huntington Stud Farm Corp., the dark bay colt was purchased for $120,000 (CDN) at the 2023 CTHS Ontario Premier Yearling Sale.
He paid $7.20 for the win.
Chris Lomon, Woodbine
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