Windward Islands Defends Nijinsky Crown

Windward Islands, pictured, passed Fifty Proof in the final stages to win the Grade II Nijinsky Stakes for the second year in a row on Sunday at Woodbine. Courtesy: WEG / Michael Burns Photography

Windward Islands captured the Grade II Nijinsky Stakes for the second year in a row, defeating a field of five others in the one-mile and one eighth event on a yielding E.P. Taylor Turf Course at Woodbine on Sunday. Windward Islands used his quick strides to pass a fading Fifty Proof in the final stages to secure the victory.

The start for Windward Islands was not as graceful as the finish, however, as the seven-year-old gelded son of Cozzene bumped with the favoured Fifty Proof out of the gate. The bump knocked Windward Islands back into fifth position in the early going, three and one quarter lengths behind Fifty Proof who guided the field through a slow opening quarter of 25.47. Fifty Proof would quicken the pace just a little bit in the next four furlongs, setting fractions of 49.39 at the half mile and 1:13.23 for the opening six furlongs. Windward Islands was sitting comfortably on the rail, made up ground from fifth to fourth and set himself up to strike as the field turned for home.

In the stretch, Fifty Proof's lead continued to dwindle as Windward Islands began to make his move under Emma-Jayne Wilson. Windward Islands angled out off of the rail behind Fifty Proof as the line drew closer, and was able to pull away to score the three quarter length victory. Fifty Proof finished second and Hailstone finished third.

"My guy got his feet together, found his composure, and got into a nice settled spot," said the victorious Wilson, who also won three other races on Sunday's card. "I was pretty confident that he could surge along pretty quickly down the lane."

The win in the Nijinsky was the first victory of 2011 for Windward Islands. In four starts this season, Windward Islands now has one win with two third place finishes. Windward Islands also notched his second straight win in the Nijinsky and has now competed in this same race three times. His other start in the Nijinsky was a fourth place finish in 2008. In 23 career starts, Windward Islands has found the winner's circle six times with four seconds and four thirds. He has earned $869,393 for owners Sam-Son Farms.

Windward Islands returned $9.70, $3.20 and $3.00 to his backers, combining with Fifty Proof ($2.70, $2.50) for a $29.60 (3-2) exactor. A 3-2-6 (Hailstone, $3.80 to show) triactor was worth $153.80.

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