Summer Sunday Takes Zadracarta

TORONTO, ON – Summer Sunday, ridden by Rafael Hernandez, was full of run in the late going to take Friday’s $100,000 Zadracarta Stakes at Woodbine.

The Zadracarta, a 5-furlong overnight turf sprint, left the gate with eight starters after the scratch of Sterling Speed just prior to the start.

Summer Sunday, trained by Stuart Simon for owners Anne and William Scott, was sent on her way as the 4/1 second choice.

It was 2/1 favorite Spanish Ballerina who took early command, driving to the front and taking her rivals through an opening 1/4 in :21.79. Hernandez had Summer Sunday settled comfortably in third, just in behind Sav.

As the field rounded the turn for home on the inner turf, Hernandez called upon Summer Sunday to engage Spanish Ballerina, who was a head in front at the stretch call.

Spanish Ballerina and Summer Sunday went head to head down the lane, with the latter emerging with the lead in the late stages and going on to cross the wire a 1-length winner.

The final time over firm going was :56.95.

It was the first win from 3 starts on the campaign for the daughter of Silent Name, who came into the Zadracarta off a second-place effort in the Ballade Stakes on August 17 at Woodbine.

“She’s gotten beat her first 2 starts this year and once was probably my fault,” said Simon. “Raffi gave her a perfect trip today, just tracked the speed, and she showed her class through the lane.”

The bay mare, bred by Trinity West Stables Ltd., now has 10 wins, along with a pair of seconds and a third, from 19 career starts.

“She’s really fresh, by design,” offered Simon. “We give her this time off because she doesn’t like the hot, hot weather. Mr. and Mrs. Scott are very patient people, so we give her the summer off, really, and regrouped. She was pretty keen to run today.”

Summer Sunday launched her career with a win on July 15, 2017, going on to net the natural hat trick to complete her rookie season with a perfect 3-for-3 mark, which included victories in the Nandi and Muskoka Stakes.

The 6-year-old returned $10 for the win.