Becrux captures Woodbine Mile

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - Becrux, ridden by Patrick Valenzuela, came from off the pace to win Sunday's $1 million Woodbine Mile on the turf. The Woodbine Mile, just seven weeks before the Breeders' Cup, is a prep race for the Breeders' Cup Mile.

The Woodbine Mile, formerly the Atto Mile, was contested by a field of 13 on a firm course. The field broke well from the gate as Sweet Return and Remarkable News alternated setting the pace.

Remarkable News had the lead on the turn for home as the rest of the field began to close. Down the stretch Becrux needed to hold off the late running Rebel Rebel ridden by Edgar Prado.

Becrux held off Rebel Rebel and won the 10th edition of the Woodbine Mile by a head. Ad Valorem, one of the favorites, finished third with Sweet Return fourth. Completing the order of finish was Remarkable News, Therecomesatiger, Three Valleys, Diamond Green, Captain Kurt, Dalavin, Shoal Water, Vanderlin and Ballast.

The time for the mile on the E.P. Taylor turf course was 1:33.99.

Trainer Neil Drysdale revealed Sunday morning that Patrick Valenzuela replaced Corey Nakatani aboard Becrux due to an injury suffered in California.

"(Corey) was in a training accident," said Drysdale. "He’s fine."

Valenzuela is recovering from back surgery and has not ridden since July 16.

"He had surgery," Drysdale said. "He’s been working horses for over a week now."

Valenzuela won last year's Queen’s Plate with Wild Desert.

Becrux is owned by Tean Valor and Gary Barber. The four-year-old gelding was coming off a second place finish last month in the Play King Stakes at Woodbine. Sunday's win was the eighth of his career in 19 starts. The Woodbine Mile victory was worth $600,000 and brings Becrux's lifetime earnings to $898,116.

Becrux returned $18.70, $8.00 and $5.90. Rebel Rebel paid $7.50 and $6.10,and Ad Valorem paid $5.10 for show.