The colt Dewolf, named after a renowned Canadian naval officer, showcased his speed with an impressive victory in the Bull Page Stakes on Sunday at Woodbine.
Woodbine concluded a busy weekend packed with stakes races and large fields, featuring a pair of Ontario-sired stakes, including the Bull Page and Victorian Queen. Both victors, Dewolf and the filly Souper Supreme, have demonstrated remarkable potential early in their careers.
Dewolf (Silent Name (Jpn)) outpaced the field, clocking in at 1:21.46 for the 7-furlong turf stake while chasing a rapid pace set by Unbridled Weather, a son of Prime Attraction trained by Angus Buntain. Jockey Rafael Hernandez guided Dewolf to a clear victory by 1 1/4 lengths, marking his second consecutive win in just three starts.
Owned by X-Men Racing IV, Canuck Racing Club, Madaket Stables, and SF Racing, Dewolf was purchased as a yearling for $185,000 at the 2023 Keeneland September sale. He comes from breeder Anita Nesser of BHMFR, LLC (Blonds Have More Fun Racing). His dam, Holy Cargo, though she managed only one placement in five outings, is a half-sister to Preakness Stakes champion Red Bullet and Woodbine Stakes winner Millennium Allstar. Holy Cargo has also produced five other named foals, two of whom have won, and a full sister to Dewolf is set to be offered at Keeneland this week.
Trainer Kevin Attard considered entering Dewolf in the Grade 1 Summer Stakes but ultimately decided to focus on restricted races, with the Cup & Saucer Stakes next on the agenda.
Named in honour of Harry G. DeWolf, Canada's most decorated naval officer in World War II, Dewolf has a storied legacy. As commanding officer of the HMCS St. Laurent, he played pivotal roles, including firing the Royal Canadian Navy's first shots of the war and aiding in the evacuation of Dunkirk. During anti-submarine operations off the coast of Ireland, DeWolf and his crew rescued 857 survivors from the torpedoed British liner, Arandora Star.
In the same event, Souper Supreme, sired by Souper Speedy and a half-sibling to King’s Plate winner Paramount Prince, secured her second consecutive stakes victory. Ridden by Patrick Husbands, Souper Supreme took an unchallenged lead and finished strongly in 1:22.16 for trainer Mark Casse and owners Mike Langlois and Gary Barber. Bred by Ericka Rusnak, Souper Supreme is one of three stakes horses produced by her mare, Platinum Steel.