TORONTO, August 25, 2024 – Souper Supreme, under Patrick Husbands, tussled for early command and was full of run late to take Sunday’s $200,000 Muskoka Stakes at Woodbine.
After a runner-up debut on June 8 at the Toronto oval and a maiden-breaking score on July 6, the daughter of Souper Speedy-Platinum Steel put on a show in the 6 ½-furlong sprint over the all-weather track.
A host of hopefuls scrapped over the lead, with Souper Supreme emerging on top. The Mark Casse trainee was in front by two lengths through an opening quarter in :22.64, and a length through a half in :46.63.
Running comfortably entering the turn for home, Souper Supreme dashed away from her pursuers to hold a three-length advantage at the stretch call, and then motored to the wire with ease to record a 4 ¼-length score in a time of 1:18.20. Skylight Caper was second, Periwinkle finished third and Princess of Storm (also a Casse trainee), recovered to take fourth after a tough start.
The winner boasts the same connections – Casse, Husbands, owners Gary Barber and Michael Langlois, and breeder Ericka Rusnak, who won the 2023 King’s Plate with multiple graded stakes victor Paramount Prince.
Souper Supreme, a $100,000 purchase at the 2023 CTHS Ontario Premier Yearling Sale, also appears to have a bright future.
“I think she’s an upcoming little star,” praised Husbands. “She’s legit.”
One major difference between Paramount Prince and Souper Supreme comes in the form of personality.
“I’m telling you, they’re so different, both of them,” said Langlois. “Paramount Prince likes to cause a lot of trouble. You know, he’s a bit of a mischievous guy, where Souper Supreme likes to get her cuddles. Give her lots of cuddles before the race and you see what happens.”
The bay, sent off at 5-1, returned $12.50 for the Muskoka victory.
Chris Lomon, Woodbine
