Variety the Spice of Sunday's Card
Variety the Spice of Sunday's Card
First 2yos of the year, tricky maiden contests among Sunday's highlights as street fighters Coulterberry and Slew's Da Boss take on new boy Arch Prince
This appears the perfect opportunity for A TREE OF LIFE to break his maiden. The 3yo ran well for a long way last time, duelling on the front end with the subsequent runner-up, and any improvement since then could be enough to get the job done here. Sungold Beauty ran creditably in third last time but this represents a step up in class. Solander isn’t easy to evaluate but is probably better than he showed last time when trailing home. The previously unraced pair Sharpzan and Texas Legacy have been working solidly but may lack experience.
A highly-competitive heat that could go to any of these on their day. There’s little to choose between the Dino Condilenios-trained pair MR QUALITY and Foot Soldier after they finished second and third to the impressive Lucky Luke last time. Calamazeus and Debatable also ran well on their reappearances (when second and third to Knopfler), while a repeat of Young Vigilante’s winning run last September puts him in the mix.
The betting market may supply the best guide here for these six juveniles, all making their racetrack debuts and facing a sharp 3½ furlong dash. Fillies Lilsisterlee and Matsqui have been showing up well in the mornings, while colts Rockcliffe and Inside Connection were both $20k+ yearlings graduates of the CTHS yearling sale. The filly ANZAC BAY is a couple of months older than the rest of these and that tiny edge might help.
Four of the six here were winners on their reappearances but they all came at the bottom level and this represents a mildly tougher challenge. ZERO DOWN, meanwhile, has winning form in deeper water than this and his victory at Turf Paradise in April puts him firmly in the frame. Khaiky’s Command led everywhere bar the line on his seasonal debut and he will again be a factor, while a repeat of The All Button’s 4½ length win last time makes the 8yo hard to ignore.
Don W ran well when third to impressive winner Chase the Sun on his debut, where he was chased home by three of today’s rivals in All Liquord Up, Greytogo and HE’S A SAINT. The latter was at the head of affairs for much of the way before fading and it wouldn’t be a shock to see him reverse the placings here. The unraced Rimfire has been showing up well in the mornings, is bred to be an above average performer and can’t be left out.
The veteran pair Coulterberry and Slew’s da Boss chased home the impressive Fort Langley last time and both should again be involved at the sharp end over the extended distance. The same goes for McMurphy, who has won twice previously at this trip. There was also much to like about Knopfler’s win on his track debut, where he seemed to enjoy the dirt after running back east on the Woodbine all-weather. ARCH PRINCE, however, has won twice at Golden Gate already this season and, as long as he adapts to the unique demands of the Hastings oval, this represents another winning opportunity.
All bar last time winner Bellaroo are dropping marginally in class to take on this ‘non-winners of three’ claimer and it won’t be an easy puzzle to solve. Trainer Keith Pedersen saddles two and may hold the key as, on paper at least, MISS EARL appears to have the measure of most here. However, she is making her seasonal reappearance and may be given most to do by barn-mate Hollywood Mistress who kept on to grab third place on her previous outing for the Hastings Racing Club. Pretty Aria appeals most of the remainder.
Mike and Drew’s Derby Bar & Grill Picks
Leading Trainer/Jockey Teams
In Case You Missed it…
TORONTO, June 2, 2022 – Woodbine Entertainment today announced approval from the Alcohol Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) to alter post times for Thursday and Friday cards of live racing at Woodbine Racetrack.
Effective June 9, 2022, first-race post time on Thursdays will move from 1:10 p.m. to 5:05 p.m., while first-race post time on Fridays will shift from 4:50 p.m. to 1:10 p.m.
And Finally…
The Epsom Oaks on Friday produced an epic finish. Here’s an exhilarating ‘helmet cam’ video of jockey Hollie Doyle aboard second-favourite, Nashwa. Don’t forget that Saturday sees the 2022 renewal of THE Derby (post time 8:30am PST) and you can see all the action live from Epsom via the CBC.ca, here: