Racing Dudes Three Stars of the Week: Woodbine Standouts

North of the border was the place to be last weekend, with Woodbine playing host to big races such as the Pattison Canadian International Stakes (G1) and the E. P. Taylor Stakes (G1). Those races gave us memorable performances, while Keeneland gave us a star to recognize as well. Here are the three horses who made the list:

1. Desert Encounter 

For the second year in a row, Desert Encounter successfully shipped to Woodbine to win the Pattison Canadian International Stakes (G1). He brought a three-race winning streak into this year’s event and proved to be much the best on Saturday. A poor break caused him to spot the field several lengths right out of the gate, which could have been a disaster. Still last turning for home, the gelding started to make his move, cruising by his rivals with ease without being asked for his best. In the end, he zoomed past them all for a 1/2-length victory under a hand ride. The victory pushed his overall earnings over the million dollar mark as well, with plans to continue running him as long as he keeps showing that he is enjoying his job. 

2. Cambier Parc

The Chad Brown filly made it back-to-back Grade 1 wins with a victory at Keeneland last Saturday in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes (G1). She broke with her mind on business, moving right to the lead out of the gate. Up the backstretch, she was pressed by Magnetic Charm; however, she remained unhurried while setting reasonable fractions. Turning for home, she began to put away her rivals, while holding off Castle Lady in the stretch for a 1-length triumph. This is a win that should springboard her to a big 2020 after improving with each start in her 3-year-old season. 

3. Starship Jubilee 

The Woodbine superstar picked up the biggest win of her career last Saturday, taking home the E. P. Taylor Stakes (G1) in stylish fashion. She was close to winning this race last season, and this year, she was able to come back and finish the job. Right out of the gate, she secured a solid early position, stalking the pace setting Red Tea up the backstretch. Turning for home, she had already put away that rival, leading the race by a length. From there, she opened up to a 2-length lead, which was more than enough to hold off her rivals for an easy victory. The win was the first Grade 1 triumph of her career.