Sept 24, 2023 (Woodbine) – War Painter, under Patrick Husbands, brushed to the lead late en route to victory in Sunday’s $100,000 Victorian Queen Stakes, for 2-year-old Ontario-sired fillies, at Woodbine.
Trained by Kevin Attard for Canuck Racing Club, the daughter of Danish Dynaformer-Morning Tale came into the seven-furlong turf race with a second and third on her resume. The third time proved to be the charm for the bay filly.
After an even start, it was 3-2 choice Olivia Rose who set the tone early, taking her four rivals through an opening quarter of :23.70, while Husbands and War Painter sat at the back of the pack. Olivia Rose continued to call the shots through a half in :46.85, the daughter of Silent Name (JPN) was a half-length clear of Never Silent, as War Painter was allowed to watch the proceedings from in fifth.
Still on top around the turn for home, Olivia Rose put away Never Silent and looked to dart away from her pursuers, but Husbands had War Painter in full flight, splitting rivals and setting their sights on the frontrunner.
A half-length behind at the stretch call, War Painter kept coming and eventually got the upper hand to secure a one-length victory. Olivia Rose finished three-quarters of a length ahead of Fourfiftyfour. Hurricane Clair, supplemented to the race was fourth, followed by Never Silent.
The final time over a “firm” E.P. Taylor was 1:21.70.
