TORONTO, April 26 - Bearcatt rallied strongly to capture Sunday's $150,000 Woodstock Stakes at Woodbine.
The six-furlong contest was the first stakes score for the rapidly developing three-year-old, who has two wins and one second from three career starts.
Bearcatt seized command in mid-stretch and drew off to a convincing 3 1/4-length tally over Congor Bay. Heart of a King was third.
The running time for six furlongs was 1:09.32.
The gray son of Tapit is trained by Reade Baker and is owned by Bear Stables.
The Kentucky-bred colt broke sharp and was one of five three-year-olds across the track vying for command through the opening furlong.
Jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson, who won her second consecutive Woodstock, was able to ease Bearcatt off the pace and keep him out of a speed duel that resulted in fractions of :22.04 and :44.79.
"I couldn't tell how far in front the inside horses were," said Wilson. "Once I got a good glimpse that I was pretty close to them, I got my horse to settle back and he was able to relax."
At the five-sixteenths pole, Bearcatt actually trailed his five rivals, though he was only three lengths off the pace.
"That's when he gained his composure," added Wilson. "Once he settled down, he was able to regain his legs and come with a good run down the lane. He's got a kick."
Baker said he had prepared Bearcatt for the Woodstock all winter, but hadn't intended on the race being his first start of 2009.
"I was going in the Woodstock all along. But I wanted a prep," he said. "By hook or crook, we got here. He's a nice horse."
Purchased for $190,000 as a yearling, Bearcatt has now banked $126,403.
Bearcatt returned $13.70, $5.20 and $3.40, combining with Congor Bay ($3.70, $2.80) for a $62.30 exactor. Heart of a King ($3.70) rounded out a triactor worth $208.50.
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