Stunning Stag Grabs First Graded Stakes Win In The Autumn

Six year old gelding Stunning Stag continued his great season by notching his first graded stakes victory in the Grade II Autumn Stakes at Woodbine on Saturday. In what may be the final start of his career, Stunning Stag trailed most of the way before unleashing a powerful run down the stretch to win the race fairly easily. It was his second win in a row and ninth of his career in 26 starts. Stunning Stag has run eight times this season and has only failed to finish in the money once, including three victories. He has now earned $715,081. It will be interesting to see if Sid and Janice Attard decide to retire Stunning Stag or run him again next year as a seven year old. If retirement is indeed in his future, Stunning Stag will be leaving Woodbine as one of the top performing horses this year.



Another interesting story line to follow out of this race is that of Big Red Mike. Big Red Mike has failed to find the winner's circle since his big score in the Queen's Plate back in July. The three year old gelding faded in the final turn and finished last in the field of eight. It would appear that this was his last start of the 2010 season, unless Nick Gonzalez decides to try Big Red Mike down south over the winter. Looking to 2011, we may see Big Red Mike as a candidate to run in the Grade III Eclipse Stakes, which usually occurs in early June. With a well-deserved winter layoff and a couple of prep races in advance of the Eclipse, we may see Big Red Mike also secure his first graded stakes victory next season.

Posted in: Woodbine