The final jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown produced a thrilling finish at Woodbine on Sunday as Tom’s Magic, a colt who had narrowly missed glory in The King’s Plate, showcased his heart and determination to win the $400,000 Breeders’ Stakes. The victory marked a sweet redemption for the chestnut owned by CJ Thoroughbreds and Mo Speed Racing.
From the start, it was D’aurum and Ciunas setting the pace, with Faber, Borealis Trail, and Tom’s Magic settling behind. D’aurum led by 1 ½ lengths after the opening quarter in :23.71 over the firm inner turf, shadowed closely by Ciunas. Tom’s Magic, under Rafael Hernandez, bided his time in fourth, conserving energy for the decisive stages.
The leaders maintained their advantage through a tepid half in :50.08, but Hernandez knew the colt had more to offer. Entering the far turn, Tom’s Magic surged past D’aurum with a powerful burst, setting up a dramatic stretch duel. Borealis Trail mounted a late charge on the outside, but Tom’s Magic, already two lengths clear at the stretch call, dug in resolutely to hold off his persistent challenger by a head. Faber claimed third while Aristella finished fourth. The final time was 2:31.80.
Hernandez, celebrating his fourth Breeders’ Stakes triumph, credited patience and strategy for the win. “During the race, Mike [trainer Stidham] told me, ‘Rafi, just keep him relaxed.’ That’s what we did. He got on the bridle hard, and I knew he was going to give me that kick turning for home,” Hernandez said.
Trainer Mike Stidham, recording his 224th career stakes victory, praised Tom’s Magic’s courage. “We were worried about the pace. The horse can be keen, but Rafael managed him perfectly. It was close, but his grit showed he could get it done,” he noted.
Owners Corey Johnsen (CJ Thoroughbreds) and Scott Mawaka (Mo Speed Racing) described a rollercoaster of emotions. “He needed a bit of time to mature,” Johnsen explained. “Sending him to Kentucky really helped, and now we’ve got a horse capable of taking on the Triple Crown series.” Mawaka added, “We knew we had a good horse, and to see him respond after a challenge was nerve-wracking but impressive.”
The victory elevated Tom’s Magic’s record to four wins from seven starts. The son of Justify out of the Rahy mare Dixie Chicken paid $3.50 to win. Earlier in the Triple Crown, Mansetti had taken The King’s Plate on August 16, while Runaway Again captured the Prince of Wales Stakes on September 9.
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