Owlette Wires Shady Well

TORONTO, ON – David Mowat’s Owlette struck out to an early lead and never relinquished it en route to wiring Saturday’s $125,000 Shady Well Stakes for juvenile fillies at Woodbine.

Breaking from the rail under Patrick Husbands as the 2/1 second choice, Owlette was soon quickest into stride and held an early advantage over Take Charge Eh. After posting an opening 1/4-mile in :22.66, Owlette came under pressure from Take Charge Eh heading into the far turn, but at the top of the stretch, she began to shake free.

Put to a drive for the sprint home, Owlette held sway over her foes before crossing a 1/2-length the best while under wraps late. The Wesley Ward trainee completed the 5 1/2-furlong event over the fast synthetic surface in 1:04.42.

“Every time I’d get alone, she started pricking her ears and listening,” Husbands said. “The more (Take Charge Eh) came, the more she pinned her ears. Every time I’d go about a length in front, she’d quit running, so it’s good that (Take Charge Eh) pushed me along and I got the job done.”

Despite not being able to collar the eventual winner, Take Charge Eh kept running strongly and was able to finish a 1/2-length ahead of Curlin’s Voyage, the 8/5 favorite. Wake Up Maggie stumbled badly at the start but recovered to eventually finish a length behind in fourth, outkicking a non-threatening West Paw to complete the order of finish.

Owlette’s win was her second straight after breaking her maiden here on May 3 going 4 1/2 furlongs. The 2-year-old daughter of Frac Daddy, purchased for just $7,500 as a yearling, has now earned $113,824 in her career.

Owlette returned $6.30 to win, $4.30 to place, and $2.30 to show. Take Charge Eh brought back $7 to place and $2.90 to show, while Curlin’s Voyage paid $2.40 to show.