TORONTO — John Velazquez and Luster cruised to victory in the $500,000 Woodbine Oaks on Sunday afternoon at Woodbine Racetrack.
Velazquez moved Luster, the 3-5 favourite, into the lead just before the three-quarter mile mark and won the 1 1/8-mile event — the first leg of the Canadian Triple Tiara — by six lengths in 1:50.99 on Woodbine’s Tapeta track.
Dixie Law, ridden by Pietro Moran, was second in the seven-horse field while Bold Time and jockey Fraser Aebly took third.
Earlier on Sunday, Highwaytothemoon came on late to claim the $200,000 Plate Trial.
Highwaytothemoon, with jockey Rafael Hernandez, stood fourth at a half mile and third at the top of the final turn behind Casson and Powell River but came on the inside to finish the race, also over 1 1/8 miles on Woodbine’s main track, in 1:52.17.
Imyourmedicineman, ridden by Luis Contreras, was a length back in second while Military Time and Aebly took third in a field reduced to 11 horses after Very Special (vet) scratched.
The Oaks and Plate Trial are both prep events for the $1-million King’s Plate, the 1 1/4-mile opening jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown that will held Aug. 15 at Woodbine.