Woodbine Wrapup: Woodbine Stakes Report and Fallen Derby Contenders

Less than a week to the Kentucky Derby and the contenders are falling through the (quarter) cracks quicker than we can count them, and yet despite the setbacks we'll still have a very competitive race.

Major contenders that have been knocked off the Derby trail include:
Square Eddie, Quality Road, Old Fashioned, Midshipman, Vineyard Haven, Beethoven and the list goes on. You could create a stellar G1 out of the horses not healthy enough to make it to the dance.

How does the recent departure of Square Eddie and Quality Road effect the Derby? Well, for one, Regal Ransom may end up loose on the front end. My early pace scenario had QR and RR burning up the front end and emptying RR's tank. Now I worry we'll see a European style pace that won't help our stalking stars such as Pioneerof The Nile and Friesan Fire.

For now, I'll sit back and wait for the post position draw on Wednesday afternoon before trying to handicap further.

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The Woodbine weekend included a speedy win Sunday for Danny Dion's Bearcatt who scratched away at the leaders late to win in a quick 1:09 1/5. Trained by Reade Baker and ridden expertly by Emma-Jayne Wilson, this Kentucky Bred is unfortunately not eligible for the Queen's Plate but will be a factor in future Stakes races this summer.

Disfunction absolutely screamed to the wire in the Jacques Cartier on Saturday waiting until mid-stretch to make a devastating move to beat Shadowless to the wire. The combination of jockey Emile Ramsammy and trainer Julia Carey has been unbeatable so far this meet. The sprinters hit the finish in 1:08.62.

The undercard Saturday was the Wando Stakes which showcased a spirited ride from Jim McAleney to move Awesome Rhythm off the rail and outside to circle Bear's Rocket and win going away.

Saturday is Kentucky Derby day and while everyone will be focused on wagering on the big event, don't forget about the stellar Woodbine lineup which includes a major Queen's Plate prep - the Queenston Stakes. I'm hopeful that my Queen's Plate Fantasy Challenge Stable Star, Active Duty, will make his first Woodbine start of the season a winning one. Depending how Jimmy Mac fairs on Wednesday and Friday, we may also have a chance to see the BC born jock win his 2,000th career race. McAleney is just three wins away going into tomorrow night's card.

Queen's Plate eligible workouts this past week include:
Southdale 5F in 1:01.20
Keino West 4F in 47.40
Parabola 4F in 48.40
El Brujo 5F in 1:00.20
Active Duty 5F in 1:00.60

Wednesday night brings the return of night racing to Woodbine. I will be in attendance and should have photos and a report up on the blog for Thursday morning.

Patrick Husbands continues to dominate the leader board with 18 wins, seven better than his nearest rival Emile Ramsammy. Emma-Jayne Wilson is picking up the pace and Justin Stein has an incredible 12 places to his name. Tyler Pizarro is being quietly effective, in the money with 20 of his 41 mounts. Don't discount Pizarro in your triactors.

Jockey Standings



As predicted last week, Nick Gonzalez is now sitting top of the trainer's board with seven wins. Reade Baker is second with six wins - but note that he's in the money with 16 of 25 starters. Steve Asmussen has only three wins in 22 starts, but with eight place showings his horses are earning their keep.
Trainer Standings

Regular features Outrageous Odds and Woodbine Watch List will return on Thursday. Hope to see you at Woodbine tomorrow night. Also, don't forget that the Mohawk harness racing meet begins on Thursday night at 7:30PM.