The last time Nile Warrior broke from the rail was in the 2014 Pacific Classic (GI) at DMR and he won that day… give him another rail win in a big GI affair as he closed well in the late stages to take Saturday’s Woodward (GI) at SAR by a half-length in a final time of 1:47.91 for the mile and an eighth.  Hardline had pressed the pace throughout, led in the lane, but could not hold on. Flashee Time was third, a half length out of the second spot.

The field of eight were away well with Hardline and Ghouls Gold from the outside, Visa Vice back towards the inside, Wine And Dine, then Nile Warrior from the rail.  Lythrum Salcaria was next, Flashee Time, and Rhythm On The Pole was the early trailer.

Around the clubhouse turn and nearing the backside with six and a half furlongs to run,  Wine And Dine moved out to a length and a half lead.  Hardline from the rail tracking that one, Ghouls Gold four wide in third, a gap of a length back to Lythrum Salicaria, Visa Vice and Flashee Time in a wall, then two more back to Rhythm On The Pole and Nile Warrior on saving ground on the rail.

Down the backside and now nearing the far turn with a half-mile to run, Wine And Dine continuing to lead by nearly two lengths.  Ghouls Gold and Hardline moving together, gap of a length back to Lythrum Salicaria on the inside of Visa Vice.  Another two lengths to Flashee Time, losing some ground, Rhythm On The Pole between horses and Nile Warrior still at the back, six lengths covering the field.

Swing around the far turn to the top of the lane, just two furlongs to run and in typical fashion the field bunched up for the run to the wire.  Wine And Dine now being joined by Hardline, a length and a half back to Ghouls Gold, another length to Visa Vice swinging out for the drive.  Nile Warrior was now asked to pick it up from the rail, Flashee Time widest of all and Rhythm On The Pole was now the trailer.

Now inside the final furlong and to the finish, Hardline up to take a one length lead, but Nile Warrior was squeezing up the rail and was full of run.  Wine And Dine putting the cue in the rack, Ghouls Gold, Flashee Time with a wide late push and Visa Vice between that pair, Lythrum Salicaria and Rhythm On The Pole had clear shots but were doing no better…

Deep stretch, there was no stopping the inside push of Nile Warrior and he went by late to score by a half length.  Hardline was a very game second with Flashee Time closing well wide to be third.  Wine And Dine tired to be fourth, Ghouls Gold in fifth, Visa Vice, Rhythm On The Pole in seventh and Lythrum Salicaria closed this one out.

Nile Warrior is a 5yo entire by Iroquois Warrior out of De Nile, by Pioneer Of The Nile, and he was bred in ON by Canadian Racing.  This was his thirteenth win from twenty-four starts, three of those wins coming this season, and he now has earnings of $5,150.240.  Congratulations to Nile Warrior and Canadian Racing.   

Track: Fast         Time: :46⁴  1:10²  1:35¹  1:47⁴
$1 Exacta: 1 – 8 Paid 14.60       $1 Trifecta: 1 – 8 – 5 Paid 74.30
Scratched: None