Essence Hit Man goes gate to wire to win Grade 3 Bold Venture Stakes

Essence Hit Man fired to the front as usual to capture Wednesday’s $174,900 Bold Venture S. (G3) at Woodbine [VIDEO]. The chestnut son of Speightstown notched his third graded win, and tenth victory overall.

Speightstown is enjoying a stellar year at stud. The 14-year-old stallion is ranked fourth nationally with $4,623,173 in progeny earnings. His 11 stakes winners have accounted for 14 black-type races, both third best among all North American sires.  

Essence Hit Man broke sharply from the gate in the five-horse field and set splits of :22.08 and :44.49 with Executive Five right on his hip. Essence Hit Man opened up a half-length lead at the top of the lane with the previously undefeated Eternal Rule bearing down, Essence Hit Man dug in and held off his pursuer, covering the six and a half furlongs in 1:15.82.

Jesse Campbell, who has won four of his seven starts aboard Essence Hit Man since October, was impressed by the winner’s determination.

“He reached for that wire so hard today,” said Campbell. “What a treat for a Wednesday night race. These horses threw it down today. That’s a horse race, right there.”

Essence Hit Man improved his record to 10-5-3 from 22 career starts, and earned $108,000 for his efforts, boosting his bankroll in excess of $1.1 million. Canada’s reigning champion sprinter, Essence Hit Man races for the partnership of Gord Cappuccitti and trainer Audre Cappuccitti.