by Ron Parker

Robert W. Mitchell’s Matt’s Broken Vow made a victorious graded stakes debut on Saturday when he collared the leaders near the wire in a half-length victory in the $151,345 Marine Stakes (Can-G3) at Woodbine.

Six three-year-olds contested the 1 1/16-mile race after morning-line favorite Miner’s Claim was scratched. Discreet Commander quickly took charge through an opening quarter in :24.11 and a half-mile :47.62 and led the field into the stretch.

Bonanza, the 3-to-5 favorite, challenge for the lead from four wide but Matt’s Broken Vow drove past him for a half-length victory, completing the distance in 1:44.28 on a track rated as fast.

Bonanza was 4 1/4 lengths clear of third-place finisher Discreet Commander.

Bred in Kentucky by Nicholas Lotz, Matt’s Broken Vow won a $50,000 maiden claiming race at Fair Grounds in March. He subsequently finished second in an allowance race at Woodbine and entered off a third-place finish in his stakes debut in the Woodstock Stakes on April 19.

The Broken Vow colt has earned $135,219 with two wins in six starts. He is the third stakes winner out of the stakes winning Ascot Knight mare Marianka, dam of Grade 3 winner High Button Shoes and stakes winner Victory Thrill. 

For an Equibase chart, click here.

Ron Parker is a Thoroughbred Time contributing writer