One of the highlights of the Woodbine racing season is the $1 million Woodbine Mile (G1) for older horses going one mile on the turf. The winner earns a guaranteed spot in the Breeders' Cup Mile field as part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and You're In" series. The weather Sunday afternoon was beautiful with lots of sun, a light breeze and the temperature in the upper 60's. Courageous Cat was sent off as the 6-5 favorite in the field of 12, exiting consecutive wins in the Poker (G3) at Belmont Park and the Shoemaker Mile (G1) at Hollywood Park. In to challenge him included 6-1 second choice Turallure, winner of the Bernard Baruch Handicap (G2) at Saratoga last out, and 7-1 third choice Side Glance, shipping in from England where he won the Totepool Sovereign Stakes (G3) at Salisbury. Last year's winner Court Vision, now racing for new owner Spendthrift Farm, was dismissed as the 15-1 seventh choice.
Kara's Orientation went to the lead soon after the start, and he set fractions of 23.83 and 47.11 over the firm course while pressed by Woodbourne and Courageous Cat, with Side Glance stalking them fourth. On the turn, jockey Pat Valenzuela sent Courageous Cat to the lead, and he opened a length advantage at the top of the stretch through 3/4 in 1:11.03. Courageous Cat held the lead late but Turallure, as far back as 10th early and 9 lengths off the pace, closed with a rush on the outside to catch Courageous Cat late, winning by a neck in 1:34.92. Right One, 9th early, also closed late but was nosed out by Courageous Cat and had to settle for third.
Also on the card: - the Northern Dancer Turf (G1) and Canadian Stakes (G2)
