Woodbine witnessed a finish measured in inches as Gas Me Up returned from a lengthy break to successfully defend the King Edward Stakes, edging Piper’s Factor by a nose after a three-way battle that required a review by the judges.
King Edward Stakes 2026 saw Gas Me Up produce another determined performance at the Toronto track, extending a remarkable record that has already earned the six-year-old recognition at the highest level in Canadian racing.
Ridden by Fraser Aebly, Gas Me Up broke slightly outward from post three before settling fourth during the early stages of the one-mile inner turf contest for three-year-olds and older horses. Piper’s Factor, guided by John Velazquez, dictated the pace, covering the opening quarter-mile in 23.00 seconds and reaching the half-mile in 46.50.
Gas Me Up began to make his move around the turn, advancing into second as the field passed six furlongs in 1:10.50. Irish Aces then launched a challenge along the inside while Piper’s Factor remained firmly in contention.
The race narrowed to three contenders in the closing yards. Irish Aces came up the rail, Piper’s Factor fought between rivals and Gas Me Up continued his run on the outside. The trio reached the line together, leaving the judges with a difficult decision.
After a lengthy examination, Gas Me Up was confirmed the winner by a nose. Piper’s Factor finished second, just a nose ahead of Irish Aces, while Wyoming Bill was fourth. The winning time was 1:35.44 on the firm inner turf course.
The result gave Gas Me Up a second consecutive King Edward Stakes victory, following his three-quarter-length success in the 2025 renewal. That earlier campaign culminated in championship honours as Canada’s Male Turf Champion.
The victory was particularly notable because Gas Me Up had once again returned from an extended period away from competition. Trainer Kevin Attard had prepared the gelding carefully following his winter campaign in California before bringing the horse back to Woodbine.
Gas Me Up’s 2026 campaign had begun with a Grade 2 success at Santa Anita, where the horse showed the same ability to produce a strong finish after racing off the pace. The return to Woodbine required a different preparation, with Attard using workouts over several surfaces to bring the horse forward.
One of his final preparations came on July 26, when Gas Me Up completed four furlongs in 47.60 seconds, the fastest work among 23 horses that morning.
The trainer had already expressed confidence that Gas Me Up would be ready despite the layoff, and that preparation was rewarded in the King Edward Stakes 2026.
Gas Me Up had also previously demonstrated an ability to perform fresh. On his Woodbine debut in June 2024, the horse returned from a 20-month absence to win by three-quarters of a length. Another lengthy break followed before the 2025 campaign that produced his championship season.
The latest victory also added another chapter to the horse’s strong association with Woodbine. Gas Me Up remains unbeaten in three starts on the outer E.P. Taylor Turf Course, while his record on the inner course had been less consistent before this victory.
Attard now has his sights on returning the horse to the outer course, where Gas Me Up has produced his best results. The trainer has indicated that another Woodbine assignment on that course could follow next month.
For Aebly, the victory added to a growing partnership with Gas Me Up. The jockey had previously ridden the horse to victory in an allowance race over six furlongs last August, and their return together produced another narrow but important success.
Gas Me Up’s career record now stands at six wins, three seconds and two thirds from 14 starts. His latest Woodbine victory once again underlined his ability to produce when the margin for error is almost nonexistent.
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