Trainer Josie Carroll’s filly, Corsia Veloce, gave Woodbine racegoers a day to remember as she stormed to Grade 1 glory in the $500,000 Johnnie Walker Natalma Stakes (G1T), keeping her unbeaten record intact.
There was emotion everywhere – jockey Fraser Aebly, celebrating his first Grade 1 victory, spoke with rare warmth after dismounting, while co-owner Glenn Sikura declared the win had “made his year.” Carroll, a Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Famer, admitted the result left her with shivers.
“It is so special,” Carroll said, smiling through the post-race bustle. “You don’t often go three-for-three with a baby like this, and the way she did it so gamely… it just gives you shivers.”
A race decided in the final strides
The Natalma Stakes, contested over one mile on the firm inner turf, offered not only prestige but also a coveted berth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Del Mar on October 31.
Hot Mash blasted from the stalls to take up the early lead, with La Culasse close in pursuit. Corsia Veloce, sent off at 12-1, tucked in behind under a patient Aebly, who waited until the home straight to make his move.
When the call finally came, the daughter of Practical Joke threaded between rivals and surged powerfully, setting her sights on La Culasse. The long-time leader dug in at the rail, while Hot Mash refused to go quietly, but Corsia Veloce’s late kick proved decisive.
At the line, she was a half-length clear of Hot Mash, with La Culasse just a neck back in third. Favored Dance To The Music (GB) had to settle for fourth, while Dyna was scratched. The clock stopped at 1:37.42.
“She’s a very easy filly to ride,” said Aebly, visibly moved after steering his first top-level winner. “She makes you look good. This one’s very special for me, because of the connections – the owners, the trainer. We have a great bond going on here.”
A rising star for Carroll’s stable
The victory marked Corsia Veloce’s third success from as many starts. She broke her maiden on July 6 in a 5 ½-furlong main track sprint before stepping up to win the $150,000 Catch a Glimpse Stakes at 6 ½ furlongs on the E.P. Taylor turf.
Her latest triumph sealed her credentials as one of Canada’s most exciting juveniles. For breeder and co-owner Sikura, the win was as much about the people behind the horse as the result itself.
“The people at the farm who are forgotten all the time – they do such hard work and they love these animals,” he said. “This is the greatest sport in the world. When you get a win like this, it makes your year.”
Corsia Veloce returned $26.50 to her backers, rewarding those who believed in her fast rise to prominence.
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