Trainer looking to record a big score in $800,000 Woodbine Mile race
TORONTO — Trainer Vito Armata has been here before.
On Saturday, Armata will send out Vanish to run in the $800,000 Woodbine Mile as a 20/1 longshot — the longest early pick in the nine-horse field. The four-year-old will attempt to become the first claimer to win the prestigious turf event.
But 16 years ago, Armata earned the biggest score of his training career when T J’s Lucky Moon registered a stunning Queen’s Plate victory as an 82/1 longshot. The three-year-old gelding paid a whopping $166 for a $2 win ticket, second only to the $193.35 Maternal Pride paid in winning the 1924 edition of the race.
“Well you know, everyone dreams about being a winner, right,” Armata said. “Everybody wants to win.