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Jockey Constant Montpellier returns with Barilko after the race.

Date: 9/16/2006

One of the top races for juveniles at Woodbine is the $125,000 Swynford Stakes, a 7 furlong sprint on the main Polytrack surface. Eight 2-year-olds went to post, with the undefeated Barilko sent off as the 1-2 favorite, off of wins in the Colin and the Silver Deputy, both over the temporary inner dirt track. Also in the field were 5-1 second choice Kamboo Man, a 9-length winner of his maiden race last out, and 9-1 Sergei, a maiden winner in his last start.

Barilko starts to draw off in the stretch with Bilbo on the right and Acoustic Shadow on the far left.

Sergei was quickest out of the gate but he was quickly shuffled back as the favorite Barilko was gunned to the front and set a brisk pace of 22.96 and 46.03 while being pressured by Kamboo Man and 14-1 Acoustic Shadow for the backstretch trip. Rounding the far turn, Kamboo Man faded badly and would go on to finish last, while 13-1 Bilbo, who had raced near the rear of the field the whole way, was closing well after finding running room with 3 furlongs to go. Through the stretch, Barilko pulled away to a 2 1/2 length lead at the 1/8 pole. Bilbo was left with too much to do through the lane as Barilko easily held him off to win by 2 3/4 lengths in a time of 1:24.65. It was just 3/4 length back from Bilbo to Acoustic Shadow in third.

Pgm Horse Jockey Win Place Show 5 Barilko Montpellier 2.90 2.50 2.30 4 Bilbo Stein 6.30 4.00 8 Acoustic Shadow Fraser 4.50 Winning Time: 1:24.65 $2 Exacta 5-4 11.30 $2 Trifecta 5-4-8 74.70 $1 Superfecta 5-4-8-2 246.75

Results Chart from Equibase.

Owner and trainer David Dwyer watches as Anne Klisanich, the sister of the late Bill Barilko who the horse is named for, leads him to the winner's circle. Dwyer said that his colt will be rested until next year. "I think I'm going to put him away. He's done everything I've asked of him. You can only get so much lemon juice out of the lemon. It's time to give him a rest."

Barilko in the post parade. Winning jockey Constant Montpellier said, "He's improved every race. I knew there was other speed, but I didn't want to get caught in a speed duel. I thought they'd actually be in front of me. This guy gets better every time. He comes out of there running and took me right to the lead. He's just a racehorse."

Barilko heads back to the barn after the race. Barilko is named after Toronto Maple Leafs player Bill Barilko, who was killed in a plane crash just months after scoring the winning goal in the 1951 Stanley Cup final. Barilko's number 5 is one of only two numbers retired by the hockey team. Anne Klisanich, sister of Bill Barilko who led the horse into the winner's circle, said, "I knew he'd win today because my brother won four Stanley Cups and Barilko did it today with his number 5." On the right, a fan wearing a Barilko jersey watches the winner's circle activities.

Second place finisher Bilbo in the paddock before the race. Jockey Justin Stein doesn't look too happy about having his photo taken.

Third place finisher Acoustic Shadow in the post parade.

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