Pop Idol, a two-year-old filly owned by George Weaver and Randy Hill, delivered a commanding performance in the 68th Shady Well Stakes at Woodbine, solidifying her status as a stakes winner. Racing against Ontario-bred fillies, she led from start to finish in the six-furlong event, crossing the line 2 1/2 lengths ahead in a time of 1:10.62.
Despite being up against the heavily favoured Winterberry, Pop Idol maintained her dominance throughout the race. Winterberry, struggling to keep pace early, faded in the stretch. Meanwhile, Pop Idol, ridden by Sahin Civaci, surged ahead after swift fractions of 22.80, 45.30, and 57.45. Nata Trouble secured second place, with War Signal finishing third.
This marked Pop Idol’s third win in six starts and her first stakes victory. Initially purchased for $100,000 by the Dew Sweepers partnership, she debuted at Woodbine in June before changing ownership and trainers multiple times. Bred by Saintsbury Farm, the daughter of Maclean’s Music out of Unspurned now boasts significant career achievements under the guidance of trainer Katarina Vassilieva.
Jockey Sahin Civaci also enjoyed a remarkable day, securing six wins from eight mounts and solidifying his lead in the standings with 147 wins this season.
Meanwhile, trainers John and Mike Mattine also found success on the card, with each recording multiple victories. Among the notable performances was She Loves, a $10,000 yearling purchase, who broke her maiden with a narrow victory in the $111,300 race for trainer John LeBlanc Jr.