Woodbine Racecourse witnessed a memorable performance on Saturday as Manitoba-bred colt Brachetto produced a determined finish to claim the $150,000 Grade 3 Marine Stakes, giving jockey Ryan Munger and trainer Julia Carey a notable success in the key preparation race for the King’s Plate.
The South African rider settled Brachetto into a patient position early in the 1 1/16-mile contest, keeping the colt comfortable in fifth as the field moved through the opening stages. The victory added another important chapter to the three-year-old’s developing campaign and marked his first career stakes success.
The Marine Stakes was a showcase of Woodbine racing, where Brachetto secured victory against a competitive group of three-year-olds.
King Corrie Stakes winner Casson moved forward to set the pace, leading Fire and Wine by half a length through the opening quarter-mile in 23.45 seconds. Fire and Wine remained close behind through the half-mile mark in 47.01 seconds, while Magical Factor tracked the leading pair and Brachetto continued saving ground near the back of the field.
As the runners approached the final turn, Fire and Wine began to fade and the leading contenders started to separate. Magical Factor and Casson battled for control, but Munger found a clear path for Brachetto, asking the colt for his run approaching the three-furlong marker.
Brachetto responded strongly, building momentum before moving into contention after six furlongs in 1:12.25. Entering the straight, Magical Factor held the advantage, but Brachetto continued to close under a confident ride.
Munger guided the son of Vekoma into the three-path for the final drive, and Brachetto gradually wore down the leader before taking command inside the final sixteenth. The colt crossed the line half a length ahead, stopping the clock in 1:44.94.
The result was especially significant for connections who believed the longer distance would suit the bay colt. Munger praised Brachetto’s attitude and ability to handle his toughest challenge to date.
“I really thought he would enjoy the two turns and I’m very glad he showed that today,” Munger said. “It was definitely his stiffest test, but he kept trying right to the finish.”
Brachetto, owned and bred in Manitoba by Dr. Ross McKague, was making his third start following a break. He began his three-year-old season with a maiden victory before finishing third in the Queenston Stakes over seven furlongs on June 7.
The Marine Stakes result highlighted the colt’s steady progress and provided a boost for Manitoba’s breeding programme. Dr. McKague noted that Brachetto was raised on his farm until almost reaching two years old, making the colt a complete Manitoba-bred product.
The victory improved Brachetto’s record to two wins, one second and one third from five starts, with the Marine Stakes becoming his first stakes triumph. Magical Factor finished second, while Casson and Yukon Striker completed the top four.
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