TORONTO, August 10, 2024 – Stormcast took the lead early and then stormed away late in the $250,000 Bison City Stakes, for Canadian-foaled 3-year-old fillies, Saturday at Woodbine. 

It would turn out that the biggest obstacle for Stormcast, a daughter of Mitole-Scolara, would be making her way into the starting gate for the Bison City.

After being difficult to load, it was nothing but smooth sailing in the second race in the Canadian Triple Tiara series.

Under Patrick Husbands, Stormcast, leaving from post eight of nine, was hustled out of the gate and into the lead as stablemates Dancing Duchess and Lunch With Bernie sat second and third, respectively, as the field navigated the first turn.

Stormcast, at 6-1, was 2 ½ lengths in front of Dancing Duchess through an opening quarter in :23.92 and then held a 1 ¼ length advantage over Hurricane Clair through a half in :47.17. Kin’s Concerto, winner of the Woodbine Oaks (first race in the Canadian Triple Tiara), was fifth, while stablemate Ontario, a flashy debut winner, was eighth after being bumped from both sides and checked in the early going.

Heading into the turn for home, Stormcast and Husbands were in complete control as Sahin Civaci, aboard a game Hurricane Clair, third in the Woodbine Oaks, looked to engage the pacesetter.

Coming out of the turn, the Mark Casse trainee, under no duress and looking every bit in charge, began to draw away from Hurricane Clair. Ahead by four lengths at the stretch call, the dark bay filly continued to distance herself from her pursuers, going on to notch a 7 ¾-length triumph. Hurricane Clair finished second, 4 ¼ lengths ahead of Dancing Duchess. My Girl Della rallied for fourth.

“Seven furlongs out, which is the first turn, she shot right off, gave me her ears and she was just playing with them,” said Husbands.

It was the second victory and first stakes crown for Stormcast, who debuted last June at Woodbine. Her first win came in the final start of her 2-year-old campaign, on August 19 at the Toronto oval.

She arrived at the Bison City off a runner-up effort at 1 1/8 miles over the Woodbine all-weather track on July 19.

The K E M Racing Stable charge, who paid $15.50 for the win, has hit the podium in all six starts, to fashion a 2-3-1 record.

“She showed she was all class,” praised Husbands.

Bred in Ontario by Dr. Tan Hyka, Stormcast was a $95,000 purchase at the 2023 OBS Company March Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training.

The final race of the Canadian Triple Tiara, the $250,000 Wonder Where Stakes, at 1 ¼ miles on the E.P. Taylor turf, is set for September 8. 

Chris Lomon, Woodbine

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