Old Chestnut, under a skillful ride by Eswan Flores, showcased a dominant front-running performance to capture the $150,000 Grade 3 Jacques Cartier Stakes at Woodbine.
The seven-year-old Speightstown gelding broke sharply and never looked back, controlling the six-furlong sprint on the all-weather track from gate to wire.
Trained by Martin Drexler for owner Bruno Schickedanz, Old Chestnut was all business from the outset. Breaking alertly from post position one, Flores nudged his mount to secure the rail and the lead.
The pair dictated the terms along the backside, clicking through early fractions of 22.40 for the quarter-mile and 44.13 for the half. As the field rounded the turn, Old Chestnut quickened the tempo.
Simcoe, with Rafael Hernandez aboard, attempted to mount a challenge from the outside after rating kindly off the pace. However, as they straightened for home, Old Chestnut found another gear when asked by Flores, spurting away from his rivals.
Despite Simcoe’s game pursuit, Old Chestnut maintained his advantage, hitting the five-furlong mark in 55.62 and crossing the finish line comfortably by 2 ¾ lengths.
The final time for the six furlongs was a swift 1:08.17 on the fast track.
Simcoe, trained by Katerina Vassilieva, held on resolutely for second place after chasing the winner in vain down the stretch.
Okiro, conditioned by Saffie Joseph, Jr., who was in touch with the leaders early, could not muster a significant rally in the lane and finished third, another 3 ¾ lengths behind Simcoe.
The victory marked a significant stakes win for Old Chestnut, a Florida-bred by Live Oak Stud. The chestnut gelding demonstrated his affinity for the Woodbine surface and his class against graded stakes company.
Scratched Horse(s): Patches O’Houlihan (Stewards)
Fractional Times: :22.40, :44.13, :55.62
Final Time: 1:08.17
Winning Connections
Winner: Old Chestnut (FL)
Jockey: Eswan Flores
Trainer: Martin Drexler
Owner: Bruno Schickedanz
Breeder: Live Oak Stud
Bloodline: Chestnut Gelding, by Speightstown out of Pool Land, by Silver Deputy. Foaled Mar 01, 2017 in Florida.
Payouts
1st – (1) Old Chestnut – Win ($9.50)
2nd – (3) Simcoe – none
3rd – (4) Okiro – none
- $1.00 Exacta (1-3) Paid: $8.45
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