Arabian Crown Wins Canadian International by 3¾ Lengths

Arabian Crown won the Grade 1 Canadian International at Woodbine by 3¾ lengths in the 86th running of the $750,000, 1½-mile race. The five-year-old Godolphin gelding, trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by Jamie Spencer as the 7-5 favourite, tracked Tomasello, moved at the half-mile pole, and drifted to less-used stretch ground by design after rain. He finished in 2:30.67 and paid $4.90. Tawny Port was second, Purview third, Ancient Egypt fourth. The win was Godolphin’s record fifth, Appleby’s third tying the mark, and Spencer’s first; Arabian Crown’s first Grade 1 and North American start raised his record to 7-1-2 from 14 starts after a Kilternan Stakes win and a near-miss to Rebel’s Romance. Spencer said he wanted the lead but sat behind Tomasello, gave the horse a breather, then swung out for fresher footing. Assistant trainer Nikki Jones called the performance amazing and said the lightly raced horse is improving all the time. CONTESTED: Fort Saskatchewan Record put the margin at four lengths and cited major traffic for Purview; other coverage stated 3¾ lengths without that detail. The Breeders’ Cup Turf is a possible next target.