TORONTO, Canada, CMC – Woodbine Hall-of-Famer Patrick Husbands showcased his exceptional skill and strategic prowess, continuing his strong start to the season by expertly guiding favorite Play the Music to the capture of the CAN$135 000 Grade 3 Royal North Stakes on Saturday.
The 50-year-old Barbadian stalked aboard the Mark Casse-trained four-year-old bay filly before producing a run up the rails in the stretch to reach the wire 2-¼ lengths clear in one minute, 14.85 seconds.
For Play the Music, the win was not just another victory, but a significant achievement. It marked her sixth win in 13 starts and was her second straight graded added-money success, following on from her triumph in the Whimsical Stakes last month.
“She broke smart, and she relaxed. I was just a passenger,” said Husbands.
“As we swung for home, I was just trying to figure out if Sahin [Civaci, aboard Miss Speedy] was going to come in or go out.
“I just gave him about four or five strides, and he stayed straight, so I took the shortest way home.”
Seven-to-one bet Miss Speedy, a stablemate of Play the Music, led through the first quarter in 22.99 seconds, with 11-1 choice Howboutdemapples stalking from second.
Husbands raced to Play the Music on the inside with a 20-1 chance on Star Candy and a 2-1 bet on Secret Money, providing company through the half in 45.75.
The race was a thrilling spectacle, with Miss Speedy leading the field into the stretch and Star Candy in contention on the outside. However, Husbands, with his masterful maneuvering, slipped Play the Music along the rails to assume the lead and drive clear, adding to the excitement of the event.
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