Searching for the Next Win
Whether dropping in class, switching distances or trying different tactics, everyone is trying to find a way to get their head in front — and they'll all have seven more chances on Saturday
MARTELLO has been patiently campaigned as always and, following two acceptable efforts, should just about be ready for this. Trupon Online represents the in-form Maybin barn and has some form from last year that gives him a chance although, like the others here, he’ll need to leave this season’s efforts well behind to be a factor. Sir Barclay appeals most of the others.
Wandalita was a short-priced favourite to oblige last time, but stumbled at the start and is bidding for compensation today. She’ll be thereabouts. OSTRACIZE has been model of consistancy since switching to Hastings from Woodbine, ran well to finish second behind Arikara in the race Wandalita stumbled and should also be in the shake-up. Rose of Texas reappears here after two unsuccessful efforts in Stakes company, although a repeat of last season’s win over recent BC Cup Day winner Kloepatra would make her a leading candidate.
CATTITUDE and Remarkable Girl are dropping in class here and the pair should be central to how the race unfolds and where where the purse goes. Cattitude’s third behind Trapalis two starts ago over this distance will make her hard to beat. Remarkable Girl finished ahead of Cattitude in a maiden contest last year but has struggled to recover that level of form since, although she should appreciate the class drop. Harbour Storm has been runner-up at this grade twice already this season and appears best of the rest.
Vancouver’s Hunter and Valuable Cowboy drop in class here from Stakes and Allowance company and both also represent the in-form Edgar Mendoza barn. Marginal preference is given to VALUABLE COWBOY after he finished just ahead of his barn-mate last time, following a brave front-running effort. Finding Ways was impressive last time when turning away all challengers and this is first run for new connections since being claimed after the win. Accept No Other won well last time but that was at a significantly lower class.
A challenging puzzle, with several of these dropping in class in search of a first victory. Value Dancer, Quality Command and Drill Baby Drill all ran for $20k tags last time and it’s hard to see beyond the trio. Marginal preference goes to VALUE DANCER, who chased home Sloop John B last time and, before that, ran well enough behind Amanda to suggest a win at this level is perfectly feasible. Pagoda Ridge was second behind Always in Charge last time and has shown signs that a first win may not be too far away.
Certifiable has won three times from four starts at this distance and she has the benefit of leading rider Amadeo Perez in the saddle today. Either of her previous two runs would give MAKIN IT UP a serious chance. She kept on tenaciously last time behind Take Charge Gwen over 6½ furlongs and returns to the 8½ furlongs for only the second time since narrowly missing out to Richard’s Command two starts ago. Pineapple Tidbits has been among the most consistent lower level claimers all season and starts for news connections after being claimed last time.
APPELLANT hasn’t run over the 8½ furlongs very often but is usually thereabouts when he does. A second-place finish last time behind Jack’s Reign (with U Don’t Own Me in third) gives him a leading chance. The consistent Paddy d’Oro has failed to hit the board just once this term, although this represents a quick return to action, something that also applies to Knopfler. European’s second to Dakati back in June would bring him into contention although he hasn’t taken on the 8½ furlongs for more than a year.
Mike and Drew’s Derby Bar & Grill Picks
CTHS BC Yearling and Mixed Sale
The catalogue for the annual CTHS Yearling and Mixed Sale is now available online and we’ll be previewing the sale in detail in the coming days.
In the meantime, we’ll look at some of the most interesting yearlings scheduled to go under the hammer, starting with hip number 8, a Kentucky-bred colt by Whitney Stakes (G1) winner Honor Code, out of the former BC Oaks runner-up, TIPTOE.
Raced by Swift Thoroughbreds, Tiptoe is a half-sister to another of their cracking race fillies in ARCHITECTURE. Already the dam of Sadie Diamond and Supernaturel winner U Did It, Architecture is now also the producer of impressive BC Cup Nursery winner, Legacy Square – making for a noteworthy pedigree update!
