Despite a fierce, stretch-long challenge by Hemp Hemp Hurray, Wyatt’s Town prevailed by a neck in Sunday’s $100,000 Ontario Jockey Club S. at Woodbine.
The 3-year-old Speightstown colt has now won four straight since breaking his maiden May 17 at Churchill Downs, and has earned $205,438 for co-owners Henley Thoroughbreds and Newtop Stables.
With just five horses in the field, Wyatt’s Town was sent to the front by Eurico Rosa Da Silva, with Hemp Hemp Hurray in hot pursuit through the first quarter-mile, which went in :22.52. Entering the stretch, the runner-up got on even terms with Wyatt’s Town, and the two were nearly inseparable the rest of the way. The final time was a very solid 1:09.52 on the synthetic surface.
“Mid-stretch, I have to tell you, I thought we were in trouble, I thought we were collared,” said winning trainer Norman McKnight. “But he runs with a lot of grit and he just dug in and gave it his all and we held on.”
Since coming under McKnight’s care after his maiden win, Wyatt’s Town has collected a Churchill allowance win and scored in the King Corrie S. at Woodbine.
Bred in Kentucky by Ashview Farm and Colts Neck Stables, Wyatt’s Town is the first foal out of Natural Rush, whose dam Lu Ravi won over $1.8 million.
Wyatt’s Town is just one of more than 20 stakes horses this year for Speightstown, while his progeny have racked up nearly $5.6 million to date in 2018.
