Earlier on November 12 Honeysuckle Card, Il Malocchio under Sahin Civaci, landed CA$171,300 Maple Leaf Stakes (G3).
Trained by Martin Drexler for owner and breeder Franco Meli, the 4-year-old daughter of Super Speedy was full of energy to score a career third and take first place on the 1/4 mile Tapeta test for dogs and mares, ages 3 and up.
Resolved early on Thursday by Civaci, Il Malocchio, sent off 9-1, watched as a contest for the lead developed early, as the 2-1 pick Temporary with Jose Ortiz in the iron, eventually taking the lead after leaving the 11th post outside, and then went on to knock out 10 of her opponents in an opening round with a score of 23.93.
Glimpse is a half-length overhead over a half-mile reached: 47.12, while Il Malocchio, still in fifth place, has yet to take her cue from Civaci.
When the pitch returned home after three quarters of 1:11.82, Transient was under pressure from Angelou her outside, while Il Malocchio continued to rise above the leaders, moving into third place in the tense call.
Il Malocchio blew those opponents away late to earn a time-long win of 2:02.55.
Angelou took second place as Transient at half length, while The road of silence increase remote back to ensure fourth.
The Ontario hybrid to Maple Leaf has gone 0-3-1 from seven games starting into the season.
“First of all, she’s definitely enjoying the cooler weather,” Drexler said. “She had a few small setbacks over the summer. I also think she got the perfect ride today. It was a perfect setup from the start.
“She sits upright, has a bit of pace to run, she saves land, and the track was good today. It’s just really set up for her. She’s always on. Some days, She struggles with the heat a little bit. This weather and the kind of track we have today, I think she enjoyed that.”
Meli, who will turn 50 on Sunday, is equally pleased with the chubby girl, who captured the 2020 edition of Victoria Queen Stakes and Bison City Stakes last year.
“For some reason, I’m very confident,” Meli suggested. “It’s the distance. Miles and quarters I think will really help her, and the weather is cooler. I know she’s had a really rough summer.”
Now, 3-6-3 lifecycle from 19th starting with $423,461 earnings, Il Malocchio paid $20.40 for winning from $2 winning ticket.
Il Malocchio was the only winner from three ponies in the race produced from Sligo Bay mare Egbert Bay, who delivered a pony by Look at luck last breeding season.
Video: Maple Leaf S. (G3)
This press release has been edited and styled by the BloodHorse Staff.
