Woodbine Mile Victory Propels Win for the Money to Breeders' Cup Berth

In a thrilling display of equine talent, the Kentucky-bred Win for the Money, a 5-year-old son of Mohaymen-Mayakoba, secured a resounding victory in the prestigious Grade 1, $1 million Rogers Woodbine Mile. Trained by the esteemed Mark Casse for Live Oak Plantation, the chestnut gelding, under the masterful guidance of jockey Patrick Husbands, etched his name in the annals of Canadian racing history with this triumph.

A Triumph Worthy of the Breeders' Cup Stage

A Tactical Masterclass

The Woodbine Mile unfolded with a brief scramble for the lead, as Stablemate Filo Di Arianna (BRZ) struck to the front, with longshot Secret Reserve and the 2-5 choice Naval Power (GB) settling into second and third, respectively. Unhurried, Win for the Money found himself running seventh of eight as the field navigated the opening stages. Filo Di Arianna, a multiple graded stakes winner riding a two-race win streak, maintained a length advantage through the opening panel in a brisk :23.05 over the firm turf.As the field approached the turn for home, a host of rivals, including Naval Power and Big Rock (FR), surged to the outside of the leader. Husbands, however, had other plans, opting to take the inside route down the long stretch run to the wire. In a display of tactical brilliance, the veteran jockey patiently waited for the opportune moment to unleash Win for the Money's devastating turn of foot.

A Thrilling Stretch Run

As the field straightened for home, Win for the Money began to close the gap on the pacesetting Filo Di Arianna. With every stride, the chestnut gelding gained ground, eventually drawing even with his stablemate at the stretch call. In a thrilling finish, Win for the Money surged past Filo Di Arianna to secure a well-deserved 1 1/2-length victory, stopping the clock in a swift 1:32.11.Filo Di Arianna gamely held on for the runner-up spot, a neck ahead of the fast-closing Big Rock, who in turn was a length in front of the 2-5 favorite, Naval Power. The triumph marked a remarkable achievement for the Casse barn, which had earlier secured the top three positions in the Grade 1 Johnnie Walker Natalma Stakes, another Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" event.

A Veteran Jockey's Crowning Moment

For the veteran jockey Patrick Husbands, the victory in the Woodbine Mile was a crowning achievement in his illustrious career. Inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame earlier this year, Husbands savored the moment, expressing his gratitude to trainer Mark Casse and the Live Oak Plantation connections."I must say, I give out respect to Mark [Casse]," said Husbands, whose previous Woodbine Mile triumph came in 2001 with Numerous Times. "I had a perfect trip. I figured, from reading the Racing Form, if I come off the pace, it's my best chance. So, when he breaks, and he breaks so relaxed, I was happy."

A Breeders' Cup Berth Secured

With the victory, Win for the Money has earned an automatic entry into the prestigious Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Mile at Del Mar on November 2. The connections, including assistant trainer Kathryn Sullivan, expressed their confidence in the horse's abilities, noting his impressive training regimen and the Live Oak Plantation's storied history of success on the turf."I did say earlier, I thought he might surprise some people, he's been really training well," said Sullivan. "Live Oak and on the turf, they have such a great history of turf horses, and he'd been doing really well. So, we were pretty confident."As for the Breeders' Cup, the connections indicated that they would discuss their plans before making a final decision, but the possibility of a run at the prestigious event is certainly on the table.With this thrilling triumph, Win for the Money has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the national stage, and his connections are rightfully excited about the prospect of showcasing his talents on the Breeders' Cup stage.