Bear Stables's Bear's Kid took command early and never faltered, driving through the stretch to a 1 ¾-length victory in the $284,300 Summer Stakes (Can-G2) on Sunday at Woodbine.

The victory was the first graded stakes triumph for the two-year-old son of Lemon Drop Kid and second overall in four starts for trainer Reade Baker.

Guided expertly by jockey James McAleney, Bear's Kid forced the early pace set by Baur Au Lac before taking control in the first turn and setting the pace the rest of the one-mile trip.

Leading by two lengths entering the stretch, Bear's Kid held sway and did not allow a charging Badge of Truth to challenge him as he crossed the wire first, covering the distance in 1:40.35 on soft turf.

Badge of Truth, who entered off a 5 ¼-length victory in a seven-furlong maiden special weight race on August 20, was the runner-up for the second time in four starts as he finished 4 ½ lengths in front of Wedding Singer.

Baur Au Lac, the .90-to-1 favorite in the field of seven, tired late and finished last.

Bear's Kid entered off a second-place finish in a seven-furlong allowance race on September 1. In his previous start, he won a six-furlong maiden race by 1 ½ lengths.

Bred in Kentucky by Adena Springs, Bear's Kid is the first starter out of the Grade 1-winning Pleasant Tap mare Tap to Music, who is a half sister to multiple Grade 2 winner and sire Northern Afleet.

Please see chart courtesy of Equibase at http://www.equibase.com