Northern Dancer Inquiry Goes to Just as Well

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A DQ gave Just As Well the win in the Northern Dancer Turf (Can-IT)

Just as Well was awarded victory in the $750,000 Northern Dancer Turf (Can-IT) (VIDEO) at Woodbine Sept. 20 when the winner, Marsh Side, was disqualified for interference in the stretch.

Following a lengthy inquiry, Ontario Racing Commission stewards decided that the Neil Drysdale trainee Marsh Side, clinging to a narrow lead under right-handed urging from jockey Javier Castellano approaching the sixteenth pole, impeded both Quijano to his immediate inside, and the favored Champs Elysees, rallying at the rail.

Marsh Side, who went on to win by a half-length, was placed fourth, behind Champs Elysees.

Just as Well, who charged on the outside from far back to get second, was not involved in the skirmish but benefited trainer Jonathan Sheppard, who owns the 6-year-old son of A.P. Indy , mightily. A few races earlier on the card, the Sheppard-trained female turf champion Forever Together lost by a nose in the Canadian Stakes (gr. IIT).

Original third-place finisher Quijano was moved up to second, with Champs Elysees placed third. The final time for the 1 1/2-mile event was an outstanding 2:26.68 on a firm course.

Sent off as the third choice in the field of nine, Just as Well paid $8.80, $4.50 and $3.50. The German invader Quijano, winner of the Gran Premio di Milano (It-I) in June, returned $7.10 and $3.90. Champs Elysees, the 5-2 choice, was $2.60 to show.
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