Paul Buttigieg’s Gypsy Ring, under a strong ride by Justin Stein, held off a determined Paso Doble to win Monday’s $125,000 New Providence Stakes, at Woodbine.
Creeping Barrage, Executive Five and Red Eagle tussled for the early lead in the six furlong Polytrack event as Gypsy Ring and Paso Doble stalked the early pace.
Following a quarter in :22.43 and a half in :45.56, Patrick Husbands manoeuvred Paso Doble up the rail, while Stein circled outside horses with Gypsy Ring overtaking the front-running Executive Five at the top of the lane.
Gypsy Ring opened up a narrow lead, but Paso Doble kept on and the duo battled through the wire with Gypsy Ring taking the spoils by three-quarters of a length. Gypsy Ring stopped the clock in 1:10.72.
Stein, who piloted Gypsy Ring to victory in the Debut Stakes on opening day, is a big fan of the Where’s the Ring-Gypsy Genna gelding.
“He’s a really awesome horse,” said Stein. “He has a tremendous amount of talent. He just gives me tons of confidence and when I come out here to ride him, I have a lot of fun. He’s always given me his best.”
Stein admits his game plan was to keep close tabs on Paso Doble, who won the 2011 edition of the New Providence.
“I was pretty happy with my trip,” offered Stein. “I just wanted to keep an eye on the horse I figured was the one to beat and it worked out well.”
Gypsy Ring returned $4, $2.20 and $2.10, combining with Paso Doble ($2.20, $2.10) for a $7.60 exactor. Executive Five ($2.40) rounded out a triactor worth $16.40.
More from Canadian Thoroughbred:
