Havre de Grace became only the second filly ever to win the $750,000 The Woodward Stakes (gr. I) at Saratoga this afternoon, wearing down Rule in the stretch to win by a length.
Under Ramon Dominguez, the filly -- who was sent off as the narrow favorite at 2-1 -- broke alert and settled into third while three wide in the early stages. Rule, coming off of an arguably career-best performance in an overnight stakes, broke quickly and went straight to the lead. Mission Impazible raced in second toward the inside with Convocation and Havre de Grace together in third. They were followed by Mambo Meister, with Ice Box, Flat Out, and Giant Oak trailing the field.
The positions remained relatively unchanged until the far turn, where Havre de Grace began making a bid on the far outside. Flat Out was also gearing up right behind the filly, and Giant Oak was coming with his run too. But as the field entered the homestretch it was Rule still clinging tenaciously to the lead. But Havre de Grace was able to wear him down and hold off a late bid from Flat Out to win in good fashion.
Flat Out finished second, while Rule held third. Mission Impazible finished fourth, followed by Giant Oak, Ice Box, Mambo Meister, and Convocation. The final time was 1:49.18.
The victory put Havre de Grace into serious contention for Horse of the Year, which is more wide open this year than most. She will make her next start in either the Beldame Stakes (gr. I) at Belmont Park or Spinster Stakes (gr. I) at Keeneland.
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