Arabian Crown delivered a world-class performance in the 86th running of the $527,334 Canadian International Stakes (G1T) Oct. 3 at Woodbine.
Tomasello, fresh off an impressive score in the Singspiel Stakes (G3T), motored to the lead in the 1 1/2-mile event for 3-year-olds and up, while Arabian Crown settled into the second spot as the field headed into the first turn of the expansive E.P. Taylor turf.
Arabian Crown, with Jamie Spencer aboard, tracked the pace in second through splits of :24.44, :50.97, and 1:17.10. Spencer gave his mount his cue over the second half of the race, and the gelding responded with an explosive turn of foot, seizing the lead and striding away with confidence from his six rivals heading into the turn for home. The 5-year-old powered to the wire to record a 3 3/4-length win in a time of 2:30.67.
Tawny Port, second by a nose in last year's running, closed to finish second. Purview was third, and Ancient Egypt was fourth.
Spencer said he planned to go to the outer part of the course in the stretch run.
"When I walked the track earlier, it obviously had racing on there, and because with the rain yesterday, it was quite uneven, so I thought if I swing off three or four horses, he'll have fresh ground and it might help him," he said.
Nikki Jones, assistant to winning trainer Charlie Appleby, also lauded the top-shelf effort of Arabian Crown.
"Amazing performance," Jones said. "Since he's been here, he's trained very well—just fantastic. I thought we would get a nice lead. We wanted him to make the running ... but it was great. As long as he has space, he's good."
The International was the first North American start for Arabian Crown, who was bred in France by G. B. Partnership. His record now stands at 7-1-2 from 14 starts. Arabian Crown paid $4.90 for the win as the favorite.
The victory was the latest Woodbine success for Godolphin, which won the Sept. 12 Woodbine Mile Stakes (G1T) for the second straight year with Notable Speech.
In 2021, Godolphin and Appleby won the International when Walton Street romped to a 5 3/4-length score with Frankie Dettori in the irons. In 2023, Godolphin, Appleby, and William Buick teamed with Nations Pride for a 2 1/4-length triumph. Last year, Nations Pride was third to Silawi.
Arabian Crown is a 5-year-old son of Dalham Hall Stud stallion Dubawi out of the Dubai Destination mare Dubai Rose.
