Zensational Bunny, under a patient ride from Patrick Husbands, proved to be a winning Easter weekend hunch play with a driving score in the $144,000 Star Shoot Stakes, at Woodbine.
Trained by Mark Casse for owner Gary Barber, Zensational Bunny arrived at the six furlong ‘Poly’ stake for three-year-old fillies off a troubled trip in the Grade 3 Bourbonette Oaks at Turfway Park.
Husbands, who guided Zensational Bunny to victory in the Glorious Song Stakes in November, picked up the mount for the bay’s return to Woodbine and engineered a perfect trip sitting off early splits of :22.35 and :45.27 set by Shanagarry.
Shanagarry maintained her lead to the top of the lane, but Husbands shifted Zensational Bunny into gear and took command with a powerful stretch run with plenty in reserve to hold off a rallying Paladin Bay. Zensational Bunny, a 1 3/4-length winner, covered six furlongs in 1:10.22.
The victory marked the third win on the card for Husbands who was pleased with Zensational Bunny’s professional demeanour.
“She’s a very aggressive filly,” said Husbands. “She’s the type of filly that you have to keep her quiet. Any little thing will set her off.”
Although Zensational Bunny had won both her previous starts racing on the lead, Husbands was content to sit back and make one run.
“She left (the gate) running but I had more speed on the inside of me so I just played it by ear,” said Husbands. “She handled it good down the backside, she was relaxed, and when I called on her she gave me 100 percent.”
Zensational Bunny earned $75,000 in victory while improving her record to 3-0-0 from four starts.
She returned $8.70, $4.90 and $3.60, pairing with Paladin Bay ($6.30, $4.20) for a $53.50 (5-6) exactor. A 5-6-1 (Shanagarry, $8.40 to show) triactor was worth $643.10. Lexie Lou completed a $1 Superfecta (5-6-1-10) worth $1544.60. Wild N Clever and Madly Truly were scratched.
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