Rapid Test lived up to his name with a determined and timely burst, showing both resilience and class to capture the Overskate Stakes on Sunday at Woodbine. Under a confident ride from jockey Austin Adams, the 5-year-old gelding surged in the final strides to deny last year’s winner Hunt Master in a thrilling finish that delighted racing fans on a crisp autumn afternoon.
For trainer Catherine Day Phillips, the victory was a satisfying reward after a year marked by patience and perseverance. “He had a few setbacks early in the season, and we sent him to the farm,” she reflected. “He’s come back stronger and happier. Having Mr Havercamp as his paddock mate probably didn’t hurt either.”
A Strategic Ride from Adams
The $100,000 race for Ontario-sired 3-year-olds and upward was contested over 7½ furlongs on the inner turf. Hunt Master, breaking sharply, assumed control early with No More Options, Awesome Bourbon, and Rapid Test tracking close behind.
Clocking an opening quarter in :24.19 and a half in :47.76, Hunt Master appeared comfortable up front until Adams began to ask Rapid Test to quicken nearing the home bend. By the top of the stretch, Society’s Thunder had joined the leaders, setting up a tense three-way tussle down the lane.
But it was Rapid Test who dug deepest, edging ahead in the final 40 yards to prevail by half a length in 1:30.18 on good turf. Hunt Master held second, a neck clear of Society’s Thunder, while Cruden Bay closed for fourth.
“I knew there would be pace, so my plan was to break well and save ground,” said Adams. “I wanted to get first run on Awesome Bourbon—and it worked out perfectly.” The win capped a productive weekend for the jockey, who also guided Little Teddy to victory in Saturday’s Eternal Search Stakes.
Reward After Patience and Setbacks
This marked Rapid Test’s first win since last year’s Elgin Stakes, reaffirming the gelding’s ability after months of careful management. His comeback effort on September 28, a runner-up finish to Awesome Bourbon, hinted that a big performance was near.
Bred by Joey Gee Thoroughbreds, Rapid Test is by Souper Speedy out of Arch Tigress (by Archarcharch). Purchased for $22,000 (CDN) at the 2021 CTHS Canadian Premier Yearling Sale, he races for Kingfield Racing Stable Ltd. and Apricot Valley Thoroughbreds. The win improved his record to 5 wins, 3 seconds, and 0 thirds from 17 starts, and returned $19.40 to backers.
From longshot glory at 58-1 last August to this more measured, professional success, Rapid Test’s journey continues to highlight the fine balance between raw talent and patient training.
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