Artie Schiller (USA) sired his second feature winner in a month at Woodbine on Sunday when Lafontaine captured the LR Toronto Cup (1800m).

He is also the sire of Canadian star We Miss Artie who won the LR Queen’s Plate Trial on June 15.

Lafontaine stayed on strongly in driving rain to become the 21st individual stakes winner by Artie Schiller.  “I’m very proud of this horse,” trainer Elizabeth Charalambous stated.  “He’s really figured it out now and knows why he’s here and what we’re asking of him.  The talent was always there, he just had to figure it out.”

A Kentucky homebred for Cudney Stables, Lafontaine started the 18-1 outsider in his stakes debut.  “Steve (Bahen) rode him perfectly,” Charalambous said.  “I asked him to sit off the speed, which he did and when things opened up – he exploded.”

Lafontaine’s dam Deli Cat (Bold Ruckus) was purchased by Cudney Stables from Schonberg Farm at the 2002 Canadian Winter Sale.  She is also the dam of 2013 Ellis Park Turf Stakes winner My Perfect Ten (Perfect Soul).

Among Artie Schiller’s 21 stakes winners are local gallopers Laser Hawk, Mezeray Miss, Lady Melksham, Big Chill, Secret Liaison and Moving Money.

Artie Schiller (El Prado) stands for a $22,000 (inc gst) service fee at Emirates Park’s Victorian arm at Digger’s Rest.