Dateline: 9/08/02

A quality field of 13 faced the starter for the sixth running of the Grade 1 Atto Mile at Woodbine, looking for the winner's share of the $1 million purse and possibly a trip to the Breeders' Cup Mile at Arlington. Sent off as the 5-2 favorite was Noverre from the powerful Godolphin Stable, with regular rider Frankie Dettori getting the mount. Other highly regarded entrants included Allen Paulson Living Trust's Del Mar Show, 1999 Atto Mile winner Quiet Resolve, and Wally Dollase trainee Good Journey.

Noverre was first out of the gate, but was immediately taken back by Dettori which allowed the 55-1 longshot filly Chopinina to gain the lead. As the field rounded the turn, Chopinina continued to hold onto her lead as a cavalry charge ensued behind her, including Pat Day and Good Journey making a three wide bid from sixth place. After six furlongs in 1:08.92, Chopinina was still clear and continued strongly down the stretch. Good Journey gained with every stride and caught the pacesetter in the final furlong to win by a hard fought length, in a final time of 1:33.27 for the mile. It was a neck back to late closer Nuclear Debate, and another neck back to 27-1 shot Moon Solitaire to complete the superfecta. The favorite Noverre was never in contention, attempting a late rally from far back but could only manage sixth at the line. Del Mar Show also disappointed with a tenth place finish, coming up empty when Jerry Bailey attempted a rally from ninth place.

Pgm  Horse              Jockey            Win   Place  Show
 5   Good Journey       Day              8.40    5.00  3.60
 9   Chopinina          Ramsammy                37.70 18.90
 1   Nuclear Debate     Stevens                        9.90


Good Journey wins by 1 length over filly longshot Chopinina.
Winning Time:  1:33.27

$2 Exacta 5-9               397.10
$2 Trifecta 5-9-1         3,994.30
$1 Superfecta 5-9-1-4     9,216.35

All the jockeys for the Atto Mile pose for a class photo in the paddock. Back row: Gary Stevens, Eibar Coa, Corey Nakatani, Todd Kabel, Robbie Albarado, Emile Ramsammy, Patrick Husbands, and Steven Bahen. Front row: Pat Day, Richard Migliore, Jim McAleney, Frankie Dettori, and Jerry Bailey.

On the undercard were two other turf stakes events. The Grade 2 Canadian Stakes featured the older fillies and mares going about 1 1/8 miles. 3-2 favorite Calista came from off the pace to win by a nose, just holding off last year's winner Diadella, in a time of 1:45.04. Results chart Race 6

The Grade 2 Summer Stakes at a mile featured the two-year-olds. Pat Day got ready for his Atto win later in the afternoon by capturing this event aboard 3-2 favorite Lismore Knight. Through the long Woodbine stretch he locked horns with 4-1 shot Wando but prevailed by a head in a time of 1:35.33. Results chart Race 3

Atto Mile and Canadian racing links:

• Atto Mile Special - from Woodbine
• Woodbine Daily Sheet - from Jim Mazur and Jim Bannon
• Atto Mile Special from Equibase with free program, past performances, ChartPlus, and articles
• Glenners' Picks - available Saturday
• Current weather
• Scratches and changes
• Results Chart from Equibase (available late Sunday)
• 2001 Atto Mile coverage won by Numerous Times
• 2000 Atto Mile coverage won by Riviera
• 1999 Atto Mile coverage - won by Quiet Resolve after Hawksley Hill was disqualified
• 1998 Winner - Labeeb, now standing stud at Gainsborough Farm
• 1997 Winner - Geri, now standing stud at Brookside Farm

Photos ©2002 Cindy Pierson Dulay, licensed to About