Embur's Song Wires Strong Field In Ontario Matron

Embur's Song recorded her fourth stakes victory in a row in Sunday's Grade III Ontario Matron Stakes. Courtesy: WEG / Michael Burns Photography

Embur's Song recorded her fourth stakes victory in a row, while wiring a good field of seven fillies and mares, in the Grade III Ontario Matron Stakes at Woodbine on Sunday. Ridden by Patrick Husbands, Embur's Song led for the entire one mile and one sixteenth race and held off a closing Ariana D to secure the victory.

Some of the best fillies and mares who call Woodbine home went to the post in the Ontario Matron, including 2010 Sovereign Award Winners Indian Apple Is and Biofuel. When the gate opened it was Embur's Song who took the early lead, and she would go on to open up a two length lead over Hooh Why as the opening quarter was completed in 23.59. Along the backstretch, Embur's Song would see her lead shortened as she slowed down the pace on the front end. Hooh Why trailed by just one and one half lengths, with Indian Apple Is and Biofuel close behind in a half mile of 47.63.

In the turn, 2010 Canadian Horse of the Year, Biofuel, began to make her move and took command of second place, but Embur's Song still held a two length lead as the field hit the top of the stretch. In that stretch run, Biofuel continued to chip away at the lead held by Embur's Song, but Ariana D came on strong along the inside. Biofuel flattened out as Ariana D took over second place, but she couldn't catch Embur's Song who went on to win by three quarters of a length. Ariana D was second, Biofuel finished third and Indian Apple Is was fourth.

"I took a little hold of her after the turn and she was relaxed from there. She was travelling easy," said winning jockey, Husbands. "It played a big factor last time on the road at Presque Isle. Swinging home I had no horse, but the quality of her took me to the wire. Today, in the post parade, she was on her game. She's just a nice horse."

Embur's Song won her fourth stakes race in a row and sixth race overall in the Ontario Matron on Sunday. The win was also her third Grade III victory in four starts, as she also captured the Grade III Hendrie Stakes at Woodbine on May 14th and the Grade III Hillard Lyons Doubledogdare Stakes at Keeneland on April 22nd. Last time out, Embur's Song won the Windward Stakes at Presque Isle Downs on July 5th. She improved her 2011 record to four wins in six starts and her career record to six wins in 10 starts, with one second and one third. She has now earned $550,782 for owners Fares Farm Inc.

Embur's Song returned $4.70, $2.90 and $2.20 to her backers, combining with Ariana D ($6.70, $3.10) for a $25.50 exactor. Biofuel ($2.10) completed a triactor worth $65.40.

News broke earlier today from Jennifer Morrison's Thoroughblog that Biofuel suffered an ankle chip in the race and will be retired. Click here to read the full article, including breeding plans for Canada's 2010 Horse of the Year.

Posted in: Woodbine