Filly Ventura captures $1 million Woodbine Mile September 21st, 2009
Ventura has won the Woodbine Mile to become the first female to win the $1 million race at Woodbine Racetrack.
The 5-year-old mare rallied from well back in the field for her second victory of the year following a 4-year-old campaign in which she won the Breeders Cup Filly Mare Sprint.
Ventura was sent off as the 2-1 co-favorite with Metropolitan Handicap winner Bribon, and covered the seven furlongs over a firm turf course in 1:32.04.
The win in the 13th running of the Woodbine Mile gave Ventura an automatic berth in the Breeders Cup Mile on Nov. 7 at Santa Anita. Ferneley was second and Sterwins finished third.
Ventura, ridden by Garrett Gomez, is owned by Juddmonte Farm and trained by Bobby Frankel.
Also, 15-1 long shot Princess Haya upset 1-5 favorite Forever Together by a nose in the $300,000 Canadian Stakes and Just As Well won the $750,000 Northern Dancer Turf via disqualification of first-place finisher Marsh Side.