March to the Arch Journeys Last to First in King Edward

TORONTO, ON – Live Oak Plantation homebred March to the Arch journeyed last to first to win Saturday’s $175,000 King Edward Stakes (G2) at Woodbine.

Breaking from post 2 under Rafael Hernandez at 7/2 odds, March to the Arch settled into stride under his own terms at the rear of the field. Up front, Admiralty Pier dueled just outside of Silent Poet through opening fractions of :23.90 and :46.23.

Making his move through the far turn along the inside rail, March to the Arch straightened for home in third and with the pacesetters in his sights. Tipping out at the 3/16 pole, March to the Arch swept past them and to the lead before finishing victorious by 2 1/4 lengths.

The Mark Casse trainee completed the mile-long firm turf sprint in a final time of 1:32.28.

“Rafael rode a great race,” said assist trainer Kathryn Sullivan. “I just thought he rode a really smart race, took his time, waited until he got his spot. I think he came out of the gate a little awkward, bumping with another horse, but Rafael’s so smart, he doesn’t get panicked, just took his time and waited for the right moment to pull the trigger.”

Admiralty Pier was 2 lengths better than Silent Poet, himself a length ahead of Mr Ritz.

The 2/1 favorite Delaware never found his best footing before finishing fifth ahead of Dream Maker, Eskiminzin, and Argentello to complete the order of finish.

March to the Arch’s win was his second at the graded stakes level following the 2019 Wise Dan (G2) and improved his overall record to 23-7-2-3 with $698,238 earned. The Florida-bred 5-year-old Arch gelding had previously won 2 of his 3 starts over the local courses in 2018, including the Toronto Cup Stakes.

“He’s such a lovely little horse,” Sullivan said. “He tries every time. He’s just really special.”

March to the Arch returned $9.60 to win, $4.10 to place, and $3.10 to show. Admiralty Pier brought back $7.60 to place and $4.60 to show, while Silent Poet paid $2.90 to show.