Synchrony Nips Curlin’s Honor in King Edward

TORONTO, ON – Pin Oak Stable’s homebred star Synchrony made his Canadian debut a winning one, rallying wide in the stretch to nip Curlin’s Honor at the wire and win Saturday’s $175,000 King Edward Stakes (G2) at Woodbine.

Breaking from post 2 under Javier Castellano as the even-money favorite, Synchrony saved ground in mid-pack as the field chased Mr Ritz down the backstretch through opening fractions of :23.65 and :46.34. Synchrony appeared to lose action in the far turn, dropping back to last at one point, but it soon became apparent that it was all part of the plan.

Shortly before straightening for home, Castellano tipped Synchrony off the rail and the pair began circling the foes in the rear. At the top of the stretch, Curlin’s Honor pushed past Mr Ritz to take the lead, but Synchrony was revving up for a big run down the middle of the lane. With a furlong remaining, Curlin’s Honor looked leg-weary and began drifting in and out slightly. His awkward style may have cost him the race, as it allowed Synchrony to slide past him on the outside in the shadow of the wire.

Though never asked for his best from Castellano, the Mike Stidham trainee hit the wire with a length advantage in a final time of 1:32.95 for the mile-long event over the good turf course.

“I love it,” said Castellano, who also won last year’s race aboard Delta Prince. “You know it is a wide turn and a long stretch and you have all the opportunity for the best horse to win the race.”

Say the Word rallied late to nail Emmaus at the wire by a neck for third, while Mr Ritz weakened late to finish 3/4 of a length behind them in fifth. Farther back came Rose’s Vision, Vanish, and Savage Battle to complete the order of finish.

Synchrony’s win was his second of the year following the Fair Grounds Handicap (G3) and improved his overall record to 23-9-4-6. The 6-year-old son of Tapit put himself closer to becoming a millionaire after taking home $80,199 for the win, having now earned $893,251 in his career.

“It’s one of the most exciting things I think you could possibly look at,” said Josephine Abercrombie of Pin Oak Stable. “I just love it.”

Synchrony returned $4.20 to win, $2.90 to place, and $2.30 to show. Curlin’s Honor brought back $5.20 to place and $3.60 to show, while Say the Word paid $4.50 to show.