With only 5 furlongs to run, Reggane trailed an entire field of 10 but was able to rally from behind and carry herself to a one length victory in the Grade 1, $1 million E.P. Taylor Stakes at the Woodbine last Saturday. As one of eight European invaders, Reggane outmatched the local hopeful Miss Keller who had briefly hit the front during the mid stretch and seemed poised to take the victory in the 1 and 1/4 mile race for fillies and mares.

All throughout the race, Shalanaya was competitive but faded another 1 3/4 lengths back at third place behind Miss Keller while Contredanse, favorite at 5-2, ended up another three quarters of a length back in fourth for not being able to sustain a late kick.

Pachattack, who had been sent back from England after finishing sixth in the Arlington’s Beverly D, was last in the field of ten with just a furlong to go but was able to gain ground and finish fifth. Akarlina, who had actually left Reggane trailing behind as the runner up the last time they had met over 1 1/4 miles of soft going at the Coupe de Maisons Lafitte, was able to set the pace in the E.P. Taylor at the top of the stretch but faded to sixth place.

Rounding out the order of the finish were Gallic Star, defending champion Lahaleeb, Silver Grey, and Mekong Melody in last place.

Reggane, who returned $22.80, is originally based in France along with trainer Alain De Royer Dupre and was ridden for the first time by Christophe Soumillon.

Coming into the turn, the pace was fast enough so that Christophe Soumillon could wait, and many of the horse were indeed slowing down. “When I asked her, she gave me a good turn of foot,” Soumillon said.

On turf rated good, the final time was 2:03.38. Returning $22.80, Reggane combined with Miss Keller to produce a 115.90 exacta. The trifecta came back with $526.50 while the superfecta paid $758.60.

Also at Woodbine, Joshua Tree was able to hold off two European invaders in Mores Wells and Redwood to be able to win the Grade 1, $2 million Canadian International last Saturday. There was a delay in the start of the 1 and 1/2 mile racing event on turf after Joshua Tree lost a shoe in the paddock