Canadian Content: From Woodbine to the Breeders' Cup

With ticket prices soaring in the sports world, fans of horse racing have been treated to a cheap and cheerful summer by a variety of equine stars at Woodbine Racetrack.

Tickets to see the hapless Toronto Maple Leafs range from $34 to $400; the Raptors have nosebleed seats starting at $12, but fans that want to get up close and personal will spend well over $100.

To view the best of horse racing, Woodbine patrons were asked to cough up $0 admission. Parking, free. Those who want a spot near the finish line, mere yards from the infamous E.P. Taylor turf course, are asked to spend nothing more than the energy required to walk up to the rail.

Important race dates such as the Queen's Plate, Woodbine Mile and Pattison Canadian International were all well attended events. Fans who went to the track for the Breeders' Cup Win & You're In races held at Woodbine races were treated to a high-def viewing of many of the competitors in the 2009 Breeders' Cup.

Let's take a look at some of the Canadian connections in the Breeders' Cup, including many who made their name at beautiful Woodbine Racetrack. Pre-Entries for the 2009 Breeders' Cup, to be held November 6th and 7th, can be found here.

LADIES CLASSIC
Careless Jewel, Woodbine-based and Canadian-owned by Donver Stable (Donna and Vern Dubinsky of Sherwood Park, Alberta), is trained by Josie Carroll. Woodbine's own Robert Landry in the irons.

Click on the link to read a full and proper feature published earlier this month, with photos, of trainer Josie Carroll and Careless Jewel.

The curious Careless Jewel looks for a win on Breeders' Cup Friday



JUVENILE FILLIES TURF
Jungle Tale is a Woodbine-based runner, trained by Steve Asmussen who ran a determined second to Bay to Bay in the Natalma Stakes.

Bay to Bay captures the Natalma over Jungle Tale and Elusive Galaxy


In three turf starts, Jungle Tale has won once and boasts two place finishes beaten than a length in both. Last out in the Natalma, Jungle Tale was bested by an excellent local turfer and kept the favoured Elusive Galaxy (Ire) in check.

Please click on the link to view previous entries regarding Jungle Tale on Triple Dead Heat.

Jungle Tale runs a game second to Bay to Bay in the Natalma Stakes


JUVENILE FILLIES

Bickersons, bred in Ontario by Mississauga native Robert Harvey, has been racing lately in California. This Silver Deputy filly broke her maiden at Monmouth in July before going on to a pair of third-place Stakes finishes in the Spinaway at Saratoga and the OakLeaf at Santa Anita. Increasing Beyer figures suggests that Bickersons is an improving sort.

Bickersons chases home Hot Dixie Chick at Saratoga


Biofuel, is a Woodbine-based runner under the care of trainer Reade Baker. The promising two-year-old will be ridden by Queen's Plate winning jockey Eurico Rosa da Silva. Earlier this season, Biofuel captured the $250,000 Mazarine Stakes at Woodbine. If you throw out the lack lustre turf start in the G3 Natalma Stakes, there is much to like about the daughter of Stormin Fever.
Please click on the link to view entries regarding Biofuel on Triple Dead Heat.

The imposing Biofuel takes aim at the camera



JUVENILE TURF
Bridgetown owned by Eugene Melnyk, a native of Toronto, will be ridden by Woodbine's own Robert Landry.

Bridgetown defeated Becky's Kitten in the G3 Summer Stakes


Bridgetown, won the $300,000 Summer Stakes at Woodbine earlier this summer under a masterful ride by Landry. Lightly raced, the son of Speightstown was an impressive maiden winner at Saratoga over Billions Boy who went on to defeat Eskendereya - one who could be favoured in this event. Please click on the link to view entries regarding Bridgetown on Triple Dead Heat.

The beautiful Bridgetown graces the Woodbine walking ring


SPRINT
Fatal Bullet, Canadian-owned by Danny Dion's Bear Stables of Edmonton, Alberta, has a big shot in the BC Sprint. Trained by Reade Baker, the poly-proven prodigy will be ridden by Eurico Rosa da Silva.

Fatal Bullet, including interviews with Eurico Da Silva and Reade Baker, winning the Phoenix at Keeneland


Fatal Bullet won automatic entry in the Sprint courtesy of a hard-fought victory over Cap't Candyman Can in the $250,000 Phoenix Stakes at Keeneland. That effort made up for an off performance on the dirt at Saratoga back in August when Fatal Bullet failed to fire in a race won by Fabulous Strike. The son of Red Bullet will look to improve on his second place finish in the 2008 BC Sprint won by Midnight Lute.

Square Eddie, an Ontario-bred by Kinghaven Farms, is Canadian-owned by J. Paul Reddam, a native of Windsor, Ontario. A Kentucky Derby contender earlier this year, Square Eddie has fought his way back from injury and is entered in both the $1-million Turf Sprint and the $2-million Sprint. Given the large field in the Turf Sprint, it is more likely we'll see Square Eddie on the main track.

Square Eddie, works 5F in 1:00.20, at Santa Anita on October 24, 2009



TURF
Red Rocks won the 2006 BC Turf for Canadian John P. Reddam. The multiple graded winning horse won notoriety for besting Curlin in the Man o' War Stakes at Belmont.

Red Rocks beats Curlin in the Man o' War Stakes at Belmont


CLASSIC
Einstein was purchased earlier this year by Frank Stronach for his Stronach Stables of Aurora, Ontario. The Brazilian-bred, by Spend A Buck, has proven himself at Santa Anita previously and the mart money could well be on Einstein in the Classic.

Einstein winning the Santa Anita Handicap with ease


Mine That Bird, co-bred in Kentucky by Peter Lamantia of Toronto, is the infamous find of former owner David Cotey. Originally purchased by Cotey for just $9,500, the gelding won several Stakes races at Woodbine including the Swynford and Grey. Mine That Bird went on to win Canadian Champion Two-Year-Old honours.

Mine That Bird breaks his maiden at Woodbine in a claiming event


Mine That Bird was sold to Double Eagle Ranch and Bueno Suerte Equine for $400,000 and under the guidance of trainer Chip Woolley, the former Woodbine gelding won the Kentucky Derby at long odds.

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There was plenty to see and admire at Woodbine in 2009 for fans of thoroughbred racing. Best of luck to all the local connections in their quest to win Breeders' Cup glory.

Photo Essay: Bridgetown and Bay to Bay Win Their Way In to the Breeders' Cup

Forgive me for looking ahead at the Woodbine Stakes schedule. It's just that after being treated to a weekend of turf royalty this past weekend, I cannot help but sneak a peak towards the contenders for the Pattison Canadian International.

Less than a month away on SATURDAY October 17th, Woodbine patrons will be treated to three Breeders' Cup Win & You're In races.

$500,000 NEARCTIC STAKES - Saturday, October 17 (Gr. 2, Turf) WAYI

$1,000,000 E.P. TAYLOR STAKES - Saturday, October 17 (Gr. 1, Turf)WAYI

$2,000,000 PATTISON CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL - Saturday, October 17 (Gr. 1, Turf) WAYI

Google Alerts have been filling up my email Inbox with a variety of potential contenders for the Grade One turf event that always draws a talented group of horses from across the world. Below you'll find a few links to stories of some of the horses likely to be at Woodbine next month.

Jukebox Jury could be on his way to the Canadian International according to Sep. 20 Racing Post article.

Trainer Mark Casse states Marchfield to run in Canadian International according to Sep. 22nd Bill Tallon article.

Buccellati pointed at Canadian International states Sep. 19 UKPA story.

Jambalaya, who won the 2007 Arlington Million last out, made a victorious return to racing at Woodbine on Fri. Sep 18th.

Racing Post reported on Sep. 16th that Ask will be asked to skip the Arc de Triomphe and win the Canadian International.

Sep. 9 Irish Times article reports Casual Conquest MIGHT be headed to Canadian International.

Locals Musketier and Spice Route also pointed to the Canadian International by trainer Roger Attfield.

No doubt even more contenders will be discussed over the coming weeks. I'll do my best to keep you posted - not only for the International, but also for the Nearctic and the E.P Taylor Stakes.

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While Ventura, Just as Well, Princess Haya, Bridgetown and Bay to Bay were the big winners this weekend, I did snap quite a few photos of other talented individuals as well.

Michelle Rainford guided Scott Fairlie's Put Upon to a neat win on the undercard


Saratoga maiden breaker Gitchee Goomie makes her way to the paddock for the Natalama Stakes


Biofuel stares down the camera


Julien Leparoux strolls through the garden to Gitchee Goomie


Rafael Bejerano gets some last minute instructions about shipper Elusive Galaxy


Elusive Galaxy gets some last minute instructions about shipper Rafael Bejerano


Trainer Brian Lynch advises David Clark to lean in during the stretch run


Jono Jones guides Redverse to the track


Everyone is smiling in this photo as Luis Contreras prepares Jungle Tale for battle


Bejerano and Elusive Galaxy parade for the Woodbine patrons


A victorious Bay to Bay bathes by the by


Benestar looked gorgeous in the walking ring ahead of the Summer Stakes


Bridgetown believes he's even more beautiful than Benestar


Assistant trainer Skip Bowen takes Stormy Lord for a walk


Fantastico Roberto gets low to the ground like a middle linebacker preparing to tackle some tough two-year-olds


So fanstico let's take another look!


Do not adjust your sets. Yes, that's Todd Kabel in the tartan silks of Eastland Partners 2008.


Jimmy Mac aboard the super fast Korvette Kid



Jockey Ariel Smith makes a rare Woodbine appearance aboard Yesnabay


Chris DeCarlo was in town to ride Fantastico Roberto. If you squint, you can just make out Becky's Kitten sticking her tongue out at her competitor. Talk about gamesmanship.


Julien Leparoux sitting tall aboard the cheeky Becky's Kitten


A fantastic ride by Rob Landry as Bridgetown wins the Summer Stakes. Becky's Kitten sneaks in along the rail...


The lovely Elissa Blowe gets the details from Landry


Bridgetown shows off his snazzy new blanket


It was a tremendous Win and You're In weekend at Woodbine. Absolutely incredible to see so many current and future stars of racing grace the backstretch dazzling us with their morning gallops.

Thanks for the memories Ventura. Good luck in the Filly and Mare Sprint

Catch her if you can...Ventura out for a gallop on a gloomy morning


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This Sunday Woodbine will see the return of Queen's Plate winner Eye of the Leopard in the Ontario Derby


More on the Ontario Derby and other Woodbine news later this week.

Woodbine Win & You're In: Handicapping Saturday's Natalma and Summer Stakes

TGIF weekend warriors. The Breeders' Cup Win and You're In series descends on Woodbine this weekend where the turf will be firm, firm, firm as it hasn't rained in the Greater Toronto Area since August 30th. Yes, I'm aware that's about as prudent as announcing the pitcher is throwing a no-hitter in the seventh inning, but it's just the way it is.

Firm turf combined with a lot of high-class speed horses shipping in for the races could lead to some track records. (See yesterday's post for field listings. )

With perfect conditions for racing (firm turf, cool weather), I'll take a shot at handicapping Saturday's two Win & You're In events.

Field for the Natalma Stakes - 1M, E.P. Taylor Turf Course
1 Gitchee Goomie (NY)J R Leparoux 119 L Rice 7/2
2 Biofuel (KY) E R Da Silva 119 R Baker 10/1
3 Ernfold (ON) J McAleney 119 R Baker 8/1
4 Jungle Tale (FL)L Contreras 119 S M Asmussen 10/1
5 Show Me the Ring (ON)R A Dos Ramos 119 W Tharrenos 12/1
6 Elusive Galaxy (IRE) R Bejarano 119 G M Lyons 4/1
7 Mingun Miss (KY) M Moore 119 N Gonzalez 12/1
8 Redverse (KY) Jones 119 J Carroll 12/1
9 Bay to Bay (FL) D Clark 119 B A Lynch 5/2


1 Gitchee Goomie (NY)J R Leparoux 119 L Rice 7/2
The gloriously named Gitchee Goomie arrives from New York for Saratoga's leading trainer Linda Rice. The daughter of City Zip debuted successfully at a mile and a sixteenth on the turf at the Spa. I was in attendance that day and can vouch that the horse was in a bad way early but figured it out late to win convincingly. Julien Leparoux takes over for Alan Garcia who stays at Belmont to ride Rutherienne (Nobel Damsel Stakes) and Worstcasescenario (Matron.) Others in here have raced faster fractions, but a win is a win. In the super.

2 Biofuel (KY) E R Da Silva 119 R Baker 10/1
Ignored at 42-1 last out in the Ontario Damsel, the daughter of Stormin Fever got up for fourth, just four lengths back of multiple Stakes winner FrannyFreud. The Reade Baker trainee debuts on the turf and will have Eurico Rosa da Silva in the irons. (Jim McAleney has chosen the other Baker entrant.) A recent bullet work of 1:00.40 tips this one as ready, but the lack of turf breeding and added distance leaves this one looking in tough.

3 Ernfold (ON) J McAleney 119 R Baker 8/1
Jimmy Mac chose to ride Ernfold in this event and there's certainly a lot of talent here. Beaten a nose first time out in a speedy sprint, Ernfold came back to win as the favourite going a mile and seventy yards. Her sire, Stormy Atlantic, is the stallion who provides us with the favourite in the Summer Stakes - Stormy Lord. Plenty of room for improvement here. I like the 8-1 odds and McAleney is quietly having another excellent campaign.

4 Jungle Tale (FL)L Contreras 119 S M Asmussen 10/1
Luis Contreras is another unheralded Woodbine jock doing a great job for the Asmussen barn. Contreras has 44 wins in just 223 starts. Jungle Tale clearly likes the Woodbine turf beaten a nose in her first turf try in a quick 1:09.40 before winning last out at seven furlongs. If there's a good early pace, Jungle Wave could be swinging through the trees from the back of the pack. Truth be told, the pace picture here is very muddled due to a lack of Form for most entrants.

5 Show Me the Ring (ON)R A Dos Ramos 119 W Tharrenos 12/1
SMTR won the Natalma prep impressively making up for a slow break and then cruising to the lead to win by a neck. The time was slow but the horse (and jock Richard Dos Ramos) dealt well with adversity. A win here would make three in a row. 12-1 odds seem about right.

6 Elusive Galaxy (IRE) R Bejarano 119 G M Lyons 4/1
Impressive shipper from Ireland broke her maiden at first asking at Leopardstown and recently finished third, beaten just two lengths, in a G2 seven furlong turf effort. The daughter of Elusive City adds first time lasix and drops five pounds for her North American debut. Rafael Bejerano picks up the mount. Tough ask for a young horse, but she certainly shows talent. Must include.

7 Mingun Miss (KY) M Moore 119 N Gonzalez 12/1
Nick Gonzalez trainee chased home Show Me The Ring in the Natalma prep. The times of her six furlong efforts on the poly look a fair bit slower than those posted by both Biofuel and Ernfold. Still, a decent first out turf effort and these young horses all have infinite room for growth. It would be a bit of a surprise.

8 Redverse (KY) Jones 119 J Carroll 12/1
Trainer Josie Carroll has had a fantastic campaign and her turf runners are in the money at a 59.3% clip. Jono Jones has the reputation of being a top turf jock at Woodbine and Redverse enters the race off a bullet work on the poly in 59.60. With three starts under her belt, Redverse has confusing Form. Off slow first out, the daughter of Menifee finished well back. Second start resulted in a quick 5 1/2 furlong win in 1:04.40. Last out, she disappointed with a one-paced effort in the Ontario Damsel. If the surface switch improves and Redverse runs to her excellent workout line, this 12-1 shot might mess up a few triactors.

9 Bay to Bay (FL) D Clark 119 B A Lynch 5/2
Brain Lynch says Bay to Bay is the best two year-old in his barn. Check out the breeding - Sire: Sligo Bay ( Sadler's Wells); Dam: Bala (With Approval.) Bay to Bay tried turf in her first career effort and walked out of the gate lurking 12 lengths back early. Jockey David Clark rallied the big filly up for third in that race with quick fractions of 22.60, 45, 56.60 and 1:09. Next out going seven furlongs on the poly, Bay to Bay started well and took the lead at the top of the stretch racing home an easy winner. My top choice.

Picks (and no, I haven't been drinking.):
1. Bay to Bay
2. Ernfold
3. Elusive Galaxy
4. Redverse

For the bottom of your superfecta: Gitchee Goomie and Biofuel.

Field for the Summer Stakes, 1M on the E.P Taylor Turf Course
1 Ruhtro (ON) C Fraser 122 M E Casse 4/1
2 Korvette Kid (KY) J McAleney 122 D J Vella 6/1
3 Personal Signal (KY)T Kabel 122 M O'Sullivan 20/1
4 Mobil Unit (ON) T Pizarro 122 M Keogh 12/1
5 Benestar (KY) P Husbands 122 D J Vella 12/1
6 Yesnabay (KY) A Smith 122 L Rivelli 8/1
7 Stormy Lord (ON) J Stein 122 I Black 5/2
8 Fantastico Roberto (IRE) C P DeCarlo 122 T A Pletcher 8/1
9 Becky's Kitten (KY) J R Leparoux 122 W A Ward 10/1
10 Bridgetown (FL) R C Landry 122 K G McPeek 10/1

1 Ruhtro (ON) C Fraser 122 M E Casse 4/1
Corey Fraser is on a hot streak picking up quality mounts for the Mark Casse barn. Fraser is a good turf jock in the money 39.5% of the time and has a live horse in Ruhtro. Inside post helps and this closer will enjoy trying to track down the field which has plenty of early pace. Last out Ruhtro was beaten by Stormy Lord in the prep for the Summer Stakes.

2 Korvette Kid (KY) J McAleney 122 D J Vella 6/1
Ruhtro broke his maiden going 6F on the turf in 1:10.20. Korvette Kid broke his maiden first out at 6F on the turf in 1:09.60. The son of Lemon Drop Kid has plenty of turf breeding and trainer Danny Vella is a respected turf conditioner. Korvette Kid worked a scintallating 5F in 58.80 on the turf September 6th. Jim McAleney is charged with harnessing the speed. Interesting.

3 Personal Signal (KY)T Kabel 122 M O'Sullivan 20/1
Todd Kabel appears to have chosen this one over a seemingly better Mobil Unit. The latter horse soundly defeated Personal Signal on August 3rd in a turf sprint. A recent route was a much better effort finishing third. Still a maiden, this is a tough race to get it started. Turf breeding is there (Sire: Mizzen Mast - Cozzene)but I'm looking elsewhere.

4 Mobil Unit (ON) T Pizarro 122 M Keogh 12/1
Tyler Pizarro takes over on Mobil Unit who sees his fourth different rider in what will be his fifth start. This one spent his first three efforts tackling local monster Whos Big Daddy always managing to stay within three lengths. Last out, Mobil Unit finally got away from that one and easily beat a field of maidens in a 6F turf sprint. The time of that race was 1:09.60...which is faster than what Ruhtro put up under the same conditions that same day. With a string of impressive works, 12-1 is looking very generous.

5 Benestar (KY) P Husbands 122 D J Vella 12/1
Danny Vella sends out Benestar for owner Alvin Wong. After failing to hold first out against Ruhtro in the above mentioned 6F sprint, Benestar came back with a big effort Aug 28th to finish third beaten less than a length after stumbling at the start and encountering traffic trouble. Leading rider Patrick Husbands (53% in the money on turf) retains the mount. Another 12-1 shot looking very lively.

6 Yesnabay (KY) A Smith 122 L Rivelli 8/1
Brit-shipper adds lasix and drops from carrying 129lbs to 122lbs for this event. "Missed break" in both starts overseas and there's two much speed in here to make that mistake again. The son of Grand Slam has plenty to do to win here. Barring a sparkling pre-race appearance, this one is on the fringes at best.

7 Stormy Lord (ON) J Stein 122 I Black 5/2
Woodbine's equine Rodney Dangerfield gets no respect. In three starts, Stormy Lord has never been less than 10-1, winning twice, but now appears as the 5-2 morning-line favourite. Last out, the son of Stormy Atlantic was an easy winner of the Summer Stakes prep and a Sep 13 workout of 47.60 on the poly suggests this one is sharp and ready. Justin Stein retains the mount.

8 Fantastico Roberto (IRE) C P DeCarlo 122 T A Pletcher 8/1
Chirs De Carlo gets the mount on Irish-bred, Italian invader Fantastico Roberto. This one dominated in Italy before arrving at Arlington Park under new owners Team Valor International to finish third in the Spectacular Bid on poly. The winner of that event, Dixie Band, recently continued his perfect record winning the G3 Arlington-Washington Futurity. Fantastico Roberto adds Lasix and gets back onto the the turf where he is undefeated.

9 Becky's Kitten (KY) J R Leparoux 122 W A Ward 10/1
Wesley Ward sends out Becky's Kitten for a second consecutive turf start. Last out, this cat clawed out a neck win at Saratoga under Leparoux who is here for this event. Turf breeding throughout on this one who had a good polytrack work in 1:00.40 on September 14th. Before that last win, BK had three lacklustre starts. Hard to tell what this one really has in the tank, but the switch to turf certainly helped.

10 Bridgetown (FL) R C Landry 122 K G McPeek 10/1
Bridgetown finished second first time out at Churchill Downs on June 27th and immediately went back on the shelf. The son of Speightstown showed up at Saratoga on August 14th and rocketed through fractions of 21.60, 44.80, 56 to win a 5 1/2 furlong turf sprint in 1:02. The second place finisher in that event, Billions Boy, broke his maiden next out on the turf. Bridgetown has put up faster fractions than all others here, though it remains to be seen if it will carry over a mile. Rob Landry takes over for Robbie Albarado.

Picks:
1. Fantastico Roberto
2. Korvette Kid
3. Stormy Lord
4. Bridgetown
For the bottom of your superfecta: Benestar, Mobil Unit, Becky's Kitten

Woodbine Mile: Rahy's Attorney Looks To Defend His Title

Score it "one all" in the Woodbine Win and You're In weekend where Woodbine talent is taking on all comers from across North America and overseas.

In the G3 Natalma Stakes, Brian Lynch trained Bay to Bay was an impressive winner defeating another Woodbine-based horse in Steve Asmussen's Jungle Tale. Jockey David Clark worked hard down the lane for the win. Odd-on favourite Elusive Galaxy (IRE), just arrived from Leopardstown, was in front early but faded deep in the stretch for jockey Rafael Bejerano.

In the G3 Summer Stakes, speedy invader Bridgetown stalked the early pace under a beautiful ride by Woodbine-based jockey Rob Landry before surging to the lead in the stretch to win handily. Becky's Kitten and Fantastico Roberto were flying late to pick up the pieces under jockeys Julien Leparoux and Chris DeCarlo.

Jockey Rob Landry gave Bridgetown a dynamite ride to win the Summer Stakes


A determined Bay To Bay fought off Jungle Tale to win the Natalma Stakes


Considering the ride by Landry, a biased Triple Dead Heat says this tie goes to Woodbine.

Sunday's Woodbine card features three top turf events including the Canadian Stakes where Forever Together is preparing for the Breeders' Cup; the Northern Dancer stakes where Marchfield and Champs Elysees will battle a tough group of turfers; and the feature million-dollar Woodbine Mile which will see Rahy's Attorney defend his crown against Ventura and Ferneley.

Picks for the Woodbine Mile:

1. Rahy's Attorney
Last out Rahy's Attorney reached above and beyond his comfort zone stretching out to a mile and three eighths on a course he didn't handle on the day. This afternoon, Rahy's Attorney cuts back to his preferred mile distance and looks sharp off a pair of fast four furlong flings. Jockey Slade Callaghan has the chore of wearing down the other speed along the backstretch, while maintaining enough gas to hold off Ventura late.

2. Ventura
The five-year-old mare tried but failed to catch Rahy's Attorney in this event last season. Garrett Gomez returns to ride Ventura in an attempt to exact a bit of revenge over her old rival. Trainer Brian Lynch has been handling Ventura on behalf of Robert Frankel and a recent work of 5F in 59.60 over the Woodbine poly proves that the five-month layoff will not be a factor here today. The game of cat and mouse for positioning should be fun to watch as Gomez will not want to let Callaghan get too far ahead turning into the stretch.

3. Bribon
Last out, Bribon easily handled a field of optional claimers at Saratoga over a mile distance on the turf. The win gives grass credibility to a horse that has run up a string of impressive Beyer figures on the dirt, including an impressive win in the G1 Met Mile. Can Bribon maintain that form against Graded turf horses? Jockey Alan Garcia gets the call and he will have plenty of speed to chase down the stretch.

A full report, with photos, of the entire weekend will be posted following today's card.

Early Bird 2010 Queen's Plate Contenders

**UPDATE**
9AMEST: Several sources are reporting on a 1PM press conference where it is expected Oaklawn Park officials might announce that Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta will square off in the Apple Blossom Handicap on April 3rd. Whether or not the track has already lined up the participants or is simply putting forth a lucrative enticement remains to be seen. Please see reports by Mary Rempellini, Bill Finley and Jerry Bossert. Confirmation on this story to be posted following the press conference.

12:45PM EST: Oaklawn Park has offered a $5M Purse should both Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta both start the Apple Blossom. The race will be extended from the traditional 1 1/16M to 1 1/8M to accomodate. Now the racing world will wait to hear from owners Jess Jackson and Jerry Moss about their status.

Woodbine racing fans should take a look at the cool WEGFeatures Youtube page with video from Friday's Sovereign Awards.


Now back to regularly scheduled Early Bird 2010 Queen's Plate Contenders
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All across the blogosphere handicappers are weighing in with their opinions about Kentucky Derby contenders. Check out the Paulick Report Derby Index, HorseRacing Nation and Jeremy Plonk's Countdown To The Crown for some excellent analysis.

Triple Dead Heat is hopping on the bandwagon ~ Canadian style ~ by launching a brand new Plate Contenders tab on the homepage which will track the top contenders for the first jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown.

*Please be sure to take advantage of all the new TABS underneath the Triple Dead Heat logo at the top of the page. Woodbine News links to all the latest news that affects Woodbine trainers, horses and jocks. SnowBirds tracks the entries and results of Woodbine-based trainers currently competing in the United States. These tabs update DAILY.

2010 will mark the 151st running of the Queen's Plate - the longest continuously run stakes race in North America. The race is restricted to Three-Year-Olds foaled in Canada competing for a purse worth $1,000,000.
For now, I have restricted this list of nearly 50 horses to just the colts and geldings.

However, GII Forward Gal winner Bickersons is one of several fillies who could be this year's Milwaukee Appeal or Tasty Temptation trying to take on the boys. Resentless, Jenny's So Great and Sam-Son Farms Wild Strike (Smart Strike) are others that come to mind.

Owners generaly do not bother making early payments to keep their fillies eligible for the male-dominated Canadian Triple Crown, but a $25,000 supplemental fee will grant the particulary adventurous owner the privilege of contesting the $1-million race.

I'm always interested in hearing your opinions on potential contenders, so if the horse you like is not on the list, please email me.

2010 Queen's Plate Contenders
(Click on the name of the horse to view pedigree.)

1. Hollinger
Owner: Robert Harvey and A. Wortzman - Breeder: Robert Harvey and A. Wortzman - Trainer: Roger Attfield - Jockey: Tyler Pizarro

Canada's Sovereign Award winning two-year-old is a winner of all four starts, including an impressive tilt on the turf in the Cup & Saucer that suggests the Attfield trainee has the credentials to take a shot at the multi-surface Triple Crown. (Plate on poly; Prince of Wales on dirt; Breeders on the E.P. Taylor turf)

Hollinger and jockey Tyler Pizarro worked hard to find racing room deep in the stretch to win the Coronation Futurity. This is a potential Kentucky Derby horse.

Key Results:

11/8 Coronation Futurity (Woodbine) Hollinger -- Stormy Lord -- D's Wando

10/18 Cup & Saucer (Woodbine) Hollinger -- Stormy Lord -- Mobil Unit

2. Hotep
Owner: Sam-son Farms - Breeder: Sam-Son Farms - Trainer: Mark Frostad - Jockey: Robby Albarado / Rob Landry

Hotep broke his maiden impressively on Feb 1st at the Fair Grounds and launched himself into several lists as a Kentucky Derby contender. His next start could come in the Louisiana Derby.

Hotep is a full brother to 2009 Queen's Plate winner Eye of the Leopard.

3. D's Wando
Owner: D's Stable, Riviera Racing Stable and Yorktech Racing Stable - Breeder: Gustav Schickedanz - Trainer: Ian Black - Jockey: Emma-Jayne Wilson

The Wando colt started his career by placing twice before storming home a winner on August 16th at Woodbine. Emma-Jayne Wilson and Ian Black have teamed up previously for Queen's Plate success and the hard fought third place finish in the Coronation Futurity suggests D's Wando is one to watch. D’s Wando is out of multiple stakes winner Silver Taler.

Key Results
11/8 Coronation Futurity (Woodbine) Hollinger -- Stormy Lord -- D's Wando

4. Ghost Fleet
Owner: Jim Dandy Stable - Breeder: Mel P. Lawson - Trainer: Sid C. Attard - Jockey: Patrick Husbands

Multiple stakes winner Ghost Fleet knows his way to the winners circle. Ghost Fleet broke his maiden on July 19 over Waldheim and Set in Stone at 5 1/2F. Impressive wins in the Vandal over Takiddm and Mobthewarrior and the Swynford over filly Jenny's So Great put this horse on the radar.

A close fourth place finish in the Coronation Futurity demonstrated an ability at longer distance as he kept the highly rated - though inexperienced at the time - Hotep a step behind.

Key Results
8/9 Vandal Stakes (Woodbine) (ONT) Ghost Fleet -- Takiddm -- Mobthewarrior
9/13 Swynford Stakes (Woodbine) Ghost Fleet -- Jenny's So Great -- Turf Melody

5. Stormy Lord
Owner: Hat Trick Stable and Kinghaven Farms - Breeder: Kinghaven Farms Limited - Trainer: Ian Black - Jockey: James McAleney

This speedster came within steps of beating Hollinger in the Coronation Futurity to end the 2009 campaign. Another runner with some sneaky turf ability, the Ian Black charge set a rapid pace finishing fifth in the Breeders' Cup Win & You're In Summer Stakes won by Bridgetown. The Stormy Atlantic colt broke his maiden on Jul 18 at 6F over Boadini and Kwik Costa.
6. Who's Big Daddy
Owner: Hard Eight Stables Inc. and Ace Racing Stable Inc. - Breeder: Hard Eight Stables Inc., R. Fairlie & S. Fairlie - Trainer: Scott Fairlie - Jockey: Gerry Olguin

After breaing the maiden on June 14 over Mobil Unit and Sleipnir in a 4.5F sprint, this unusually named horse won the Clarendon and then just missed in the Colin.

Key Results
7/4 Clarendon Stakes (Woodbine) (ONT) Who's Big Daddy -- Takiddm -- Doctor Jack
7/18 Colin Stakes (Woodbine) Fearless Cowboy -- Who's Big Daddy -- Always Wildcatin'

7. Mobthewarrior
Owner: Andrew V. Fredericks - Breeder: Gustav Schickedanz - Trainer: Gregory de Gannes - Jockey: Emile Ramsammy

The dark bay son of champion Mobil romped to victory by six lengths in his first start. A subsequent string of stakes showings proved the de Gannes gelding carried considerable class topped with an impressive victory in the Frost King Stakes.

Key Results
8/9 Vandal Stakes (Woodbine) (ONT) Ghost Fleet -- Takiddm -- Mobthewarrior
9/7 Simcoe Stakes (Woodbine) (C&G) (ONT) Fastin Bear -- Mobthewarrior -- Doctor Jack
10/11 Grey Stakes (Woodbine) Bear Tough Guy -- Korvette Kid -- Mobthewarrior
11/4 Frost King Stakes (Woodbine) Mobthewarrior -- Bold Canadian -- D's Legend Storm

8. Giant's Tomb
Owner: Sam-Son Farm - Breeder: Sam-Son Farm - Trainer: Mark R. Frostad - Jockey: Rob Landry/Patrick Husbands
The Sam-Son horse defeated Waldheim and Spirit Flying on November 14th to break his maiden going 1/16M. Currently racing at Fair Grounds with Mark Frostad.

Key Results
12/5 Display Stakes (Woodbine) Bear's Hard Ten -- Giant's Tomb -- Redverse

9. Joey's Best
Owner: Gordon Cappuccitti - Breeder: Gordon Cappuccitti - Trainer: Audre Cappuccitti - Jockey: Patrick Husbands
Joey's Best had a horrible start to his race on October 17th won by D's Legend Storm. The game horse came on to finish fifth and rewarded his followers on Nov 28th with a win in the Kingarvie Stakes.

Key Results
11/28 Kingarvie Stakes (Woodbine) (ONT) Joey's Best -- Bold Canadian -- Golden Girl Sue

10. D's Legend Storm
Owner: Chateau Kentucky Ranch and Sadio Maragh - Breeder: Chateau Kentucky Ranch, Patrick Paul & Yvonne Connage - Trainer: Norm De Souza - Jockey: Eurico Rosa Da Silva

D's Legend Storm fought bravely on the lead to break his maiden October 17th putting away Quiet Moon and then digging in during the stretch to dismiss Shades of Gold. Joey's Best finished fifth in that start after a horrible start.

D's Legend Storm would finish third on November 4th in the Frost King Stakes.
Key Results
11/4 Frost King Stakes (Woodbine) Mobthewarrior -- Bold Canadian -- D's Legend Storm

11. Empire Rising
Owner: Sam-Son Farm - Breeder: Sam-Son Farm - Trainer: Mark R. Frostad - Jockey: Gerry Olguin

Imposing name with breeding to match (Empire Maker - Seeking the Ring by Seeking the Gold) finished 2nd at Woodbine on August 30 at a mile and 70 yards on the poly.

12. Takiddm
Owner: Donver Stable - Breeder: Donver Stables- Trainer: Josie Carroll - Jockey: Rob Landry

Takiddm broke his maiden at 5F on Jun 21 over Southern Legend and Kwik Costa. Later in the meet, the Mutakddim colt would chase home Ghost Fleet and Who's Big Daddy in Stakes events.

Key Results
8/9 Vandal Stakes (Woodbine) 1. Ghost Fleet 2. Takiddm 3. Mobthewarrior
7/4 Clarendon Stakes (Woodbine) 1. Who's Big Daddy 2. Takiddm 3. Doctor Jack

13. Big Red Mike
Owner: Terra Racing Stable - Breeder: Terra Farms Ltd - Trainer: Nicholas Gonzalez - Jockey: Emma-Jayne Wilson

Big Red Mike broke his maiden on December 6th going 7F in a $65K MSW at Woodbine defeating True Strike and Pointless Love.

14. Legal Review
Owner: Woodford Racing LLC - Breeder: Dr. R. K. House - Trainer: Mark E. Casse - Jockey: Patrick Husbands
Legal Review broke his maiden on August 9th defeating Foxley and Shades of Gold in a 5 1/2F MSW. Later in 2009, the Bold Executive colt would capture the Bull Page Stakes.

Key Results
10/12 Bull Page Stakes (Woodbine) (C&G) Legal Review -- Doctor Jack -- Arepeatee

15. Mobil Unit
Owner: G. Schickedanz and D. Howard - Breeder: Gustav Schickedanz - Trainer: Michael Keogh - Jockey: Jono C. Jones
This Mobil runner ran second to Who's Big Daddy at 4 1/2 furlongs on June 14th but impressed most on the turf finishing third to Hollinger and Stormy Lord in the Cup & Saucer and a trying fourth in the Summer Stakes won by Bridgetown. Mobil unit won his first race Aug 3 defeating Where Is 'em and Power Wow on the turf speeding 6F to victory.

NOTABLE CONTENDERS

Abogado
Owner: Fieldstone Farms, Inc. - Breeder: Clarity Stables - Trainer: Analisa M. Delmas - Jockey: Tyler Pizarro

Abogado broke his maiden on the overnight October 21, 2009 travelling 1M16th on the Woodbine poly to defeat Wun Mo Wound and Lets Kickit. The Delmas charge swooped from last to first in a thrilling stretch run for the victory.

Fastin Bear
Owner: Bear Stables, Ltd. - Breeder: Farr Bloodstock Inc. - Trainer: Reade Baker - Jockey: Eurico Rosa Da Silva
Fastin Bear just barely broke his maiden over a hard-charging Southern Pride on Jul 5 in a 5F sprint -D's Wando finished third in that event ran in :58.60.
Fastin Bear would go on to win the Simcoe Stakes in September.

Key Results
9/7 Simcoe Stakes (Woodbine) (C&G) (ONT) Fastin Bear -- Mobthewarrior -- Doctor Jack

Doctor Jack
Owner: R.M.C. Stable - Breeder: Gardiner Farms Limited - Trainer: Daniel J. Vella - Jockey: James McAleney

Doctor Jack did well to break his maiden on Jul 26 over Arepeatee and Old Bud. Later in the campaign Doctor Jack performed well to hit the board in the Simcoe and Bull Page Stakes.

Key Results
7/4 Clarendon Stakes (Woodbine) (ONT) Who's Big Daddy -- Takiddm -- Doctor Jack
9/7 Simcoe Stakes (Woodbine) (C&G) (ONT) Fastin Bear -- Mobthewarrior -- Doctor Jack
10/12 Bull Page Stakes (Woodbine) (C&G) Legal Review -- Doctor Jack -- Arepeatee

Bold Canadian
Owner: Heiligbrodt Racing Stable - Breeder: Bonny Breeze Acres - Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen - Jockey: Luis Contreras

Bold Canadian broke his maiden on Jul 9 at 5F over King of the Swamp and Where's The Fire. An impressive second in the Frost King Stakes in November, this one has room to grow.

Key Results
11/4 Frost King Stakes (Woodbine) Mobthewarrior -- Bold Canadian -- D's Legend Storm

Arepeatee
Owner: Robert P. Tiller - Breeder: Gardiner Farms Limited - Trainer: Robert P. Tiller - Jockey: Chantal Sutherland

Arepeatee broke his maiden on September 20th in a 6F sprint over Foxley and Lets Kickit. The Tiller trainee returned to finish 3rd on October 12th in the Bull Page Stakes won by Legal Review.

Key Results
10/12 Bull Page Stakes (Woodbine) (C&G) Legal Review -- Doctor Jack -- Arepeatee

Where's The Fire
Owner: Gail Lunan - Breeder: Zeljko Krcmar & Gail Lunan - Trainer: Zeljko Krcmar - Jockey: Matt Moore
Where's The Fire defeated fellow Where's the Ring gelding Where's Ringo and the superbly named Kevin Rawks to win a 5F $56K MSW to break his maiden on Nov 25th at Woodbine.

Roman Games
Owner: Robert Smithen - Breeder: Hill 'n' Dale Equine Holdings, Inc - Trainer: Paul Attard - Jockey: Robert C. Landry
Roman Games knocked off Big Red Mike and Trelawny with a smart rail run to break his maiden on November 21, 2009 racing 6 1/2F to victory in a $64K MSW. Big Red Mike was flying at the end of that one and broke his maiden shortly thereafter.

Battle Royal
Owner: Breeder: William S. Farish Jr. - Breeder: Breeder: William S. Farish Jr. - Trainer: Mark E. Casse - Jockey: Patrick Husbands

Battle Royal broke his maiden on the lead September 12th over Waldheim (It is me, or does the KY-bred Waldheim have some trouble getting his picture taken) and the excellent Giant's Tomb.

Essence Hit Man
Owner: Audre and Gordon Cappuccitti - Breeder: Audre and Gordon Cappuccitti - Trainer: Audre Cappuccitti - Jockey: Todd Kabel

This one made his first mark on August 6th August 6th in a 5F sprint over Loveyouallthetime and Ready Response. The well bred Speightstown colt rocketed to the lead and never looked back winning in a time of :57.20.

General Staff
Owner: Quintessential Racing and Horse'n Around Racing Stable - Breeder: Josham Farms Limited - Trainer: Mark E. Casse - Jockey: Corey Fraser

General Staff stole through on the rail to break his maiden on October 3rd defeating Pointless Love and Southern Legend at 7F.

Powermouse
Owner: Charles Laloggia - Breeder: Kenneth L. Ramsey & Sarah K. Ramsey - Trainer: Mark E. Casse - Jockey: Corey Fraser

Purchased for $45K at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky 2008 Select Yearling Sale
Forever Awesome
Owner: Stronach Stables - Breeder: Adena Springs - Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher - Jockey: Patrick Husbands

The Adena colt has tried the turf three times winning first out at Delaware going 1M70 to capture a $38K MSW. That win came over a Milwauke Brew horse by the name of Thunder Brew. Subsequent 9th and 8th place finishes in the Cup & Saucer and a Jan 13/10 Gulstream N1X Allowance leaves a little to be desired. The Awesome Again colt has the talent but remains to be seen how he will handle the Woodbine poly.

Race For Gold
Owner: The Very Dry Stable - Breeder: Jay Cochlin - Trainer: Robert P. Tiller - Jockey: Chantal Sutherland
Race For Gold broke his maiden first time out on November 1st sprinting to victory over Old Bud and Lost The Ring in a time of 1:11.35

It's Time Bear
Owner: Bear Stables Ltd. - Breeder: Gardiner Farms Limited - Trainer: Reade Baker - Jockey: Eurico Rosa da Silva

It's Time Bear sprinted to his first victory over Where's The Fire and Kevin Rawks at 5F on Sep 6th at Woodbine.

Silent Running
Owner: J., D., A., C., and F. Pirone - Breeder: J. Pirone, D. Pirone, , C. Pirone & F. Pirone- Trainer: Robert Earl Barnett - Jockey: Chantal Sutherland

Silent Running broke his maiden November 28, 2009 going 7F in a $56K MSW at Woodbine defeating Beihai Park and My Knight Indeed. Beihai Park looked to be making a decisive run to catch the lead of Silent Running but that one turned wide into the stretch. Silent Running galloped out well.

King of the Swamp
Owner: Ramon Dominguez Jr. - Breeder: Tom Pendleton - Trainer: Sandra Dominguez - Jockey: Gerry Olguin
King of the Swamp fought hard through the stretch to get his picture taken on Sep 5 defeating Mipote and Old Bud in a 7F sprint. Arepeatee was also in this field.

Ascot Matt
Owner: Beclawat Stable - Breeder: Beclawat Stable - Trainer: Steve Attard - Jockey: Chantal Sutherland

Chantal Sutherland and Ascot Matt partnered up to break the maiden going 1M70 on Aug 30 comfortably ahead of a rallying Empire Rising.

Born to Act
Owner: Sam-Son Farm - Breeder: Sam-Son Farm - Trainer: Mark Frostad - Jockey: Todd Kabel
The Theatrical (IRE) colt rallied last to first on August 28 to defeat Southern Legend and Benestar in a 6F sprint on the turf at Woodbine. This one showed impressive turn of foot in the late going.

Flim Flam
Owner: Quintessential Racing and Horse'n Around Racing Stable - Breeder: Spring Farm - Trainer: Mark E. Casse - Jockey: Patrick Husbands
Flim Flam defeated It's time Bear and Mipote in a 6F sprint on Aug 23 to break his maiden.

Southern Pride
Owner: Bill and Vicki Poston - Breeder: Windfields Farm - Trainer: Gregory de Gannes - Jockey: Emile Ramsammy
Southern Pride defeated D's Wando and Vezeau Beach to break his maiden Aug 1 at Woodbine. This one always seems to have energy - and a lack of racing room - late

NEED TO SEE MORE

Ruhtro
Owner: Quintessential Racing - Breeder: Mark Casse - Trainer: Mark E. Casse - Jockey: Corey Fraser
Ruhtro won on the grass going 6F to defeat Benestar on August 3rd. Ruhtro would later try the Summer Stakes without much luck.

Atlantic Key
Owner: Knob Hill Stable - Breeder: Hill 'N' Dale Farms - Trainer: - Jockey:
Grittani
Owner: Jam Jar Racing Stable - Breeder: Larry Spindler - Trainer: John A. Ross - Jockey:

Grittani was a winner Jul 28 over Old Bud and Hood Point at just 4 1/2F.

Kevin Rawks
Owner: Lynne Bunting - Breeder: Gardiner Farms Limited - Trainer: Nelson L. Bunting - Jockey: Brian A. Cheyne

Kid Canuck
Owner: John A. Richter - Breeder: Kenneth L. Ramsey & Sarah K. Ramsey - Trainer: Steve Attard - Jockey: Chantal Sutherland

The Kitten's Joy colt Kid Canuck broke his maiden July 24th in a 6F sprint over Kirkland Lake and Kings Conquest.

Vicar Street
Owner: Annecchini&D'Alimonte Hldgs, Inc. - Breeder: Beclawat Stable - Trainer: Catherine Day Phillips - Jockey: Justin Stein

$51K purchase at the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Ontario Division) 2008 Canadian-Bred Yearling Sale

Abruptly
Owner: Centennial Farms (Niagara) Inc. - Breeder: F. Russo & C. Russo - Trainer: Donald C. MacRae - Jockey: Martin Ramos Ramirez

Abruptly broke his maiden October 4th defeating Where's The Fire and Old Bud at 5 1/2F.

Dashing Tom
Owner: Jim and Susan Hill - Breeder: Michael C. Byrne - Trainer: Reade Baker - Jockey: Eurico Rosa Da Silva

Dashing Tom defeated Old Bud and Kevin Rawks on November 13 to break his maiden going 6F at Woodbine.

Dixie Trouper
Owner: David A. Ross - Breeder: Josham Farms Limited - Trainer: Michael V. Pino - Jockey: Patrick Husbands
Dixie Trouper broke his maiden on September 27 sprinting to the wire ahead of Loveyouallthetime and Spirit Flying.

BC2010 Handicapping: You Have To Be Lucky To Be Good

Normally, I'm a below average bettor when it comes to the Breeders' Cup. I'm pretty sure it's because I like to keep my wagers cheap and efficient - a good example being my five-for-six attempt at the now defunct Woodbine Turbo-Charged Pick Six where I singled three of six legs on a $16 ticket missing out only on the last leg. Five of six paid $175, while the payout on six correct was $46K. Ouch. Sometimes, being cheap can cost you money.

Success at the Breeders' Cup


Knowing full well there would be huge payouts on Breeders' Cup Saturday, I decided to open up my wallet for the Pick 3 and Pick 4 starting with the Juvenile Turf. I was banking that the Turf and Sprint events were deep enough to go fishing for a long shot, whereas the later races would have some obvious keys such as Goldikova and Zenyatta/Blame that might water down the payouts.

The theory did not hold true as the late P4 paid $3,898.05 for $0.50. However, even with the benefit of hindsight I have a hard time believing I could have hooked the longest shot on the board, Dakota Phone, in the Dirt Mile at odds of 37-1. The late Pick 4 paid more money, but the early Pick 4 was gettable.

Getting back to my ticket, the layout was simple enough. Playing with a $1 minimum at Woodbine, I constructed a ticket that cost $48.

Juvenile Turf - Master of Hounds, Pluck
Sprint - Big Drama, Kinsale King, Atta Boy Roy
Turf Sprint - Chamberlain Bridge, Unzip Me, Silver Timber, Rose Catherine
Juvenile - J.B.'s Thunder, Uncle Mo

As you can see from the ticket receipt posted above, I worked a similar Pick 3 ticket at a cost of $45 that added in a few insurance horses (Mantoba with Dettori aboard in the Juvenile Turf and defending champ California Flag in the Turf Sprint.)

The above noted additions offered nothing but more money to the good folks at HPI as both finished well back.

There was some local logic to my selection of Todd Pletcher's Pluck in the Juvenile Turf. After all, Pletcher scored on Friday with More Than Real in the Juvenile Fillies Turf and both these horses arrived at the Breeders' Cup from Woodbine wins in the Natalma and Summer Stakes respectively. My other choice in this event, Master of Hounds, is a G1 placed colt trained by Aidan O'Brien and had the benefit of first time lasix. Plenty to like.

The whole ticket nearly went pear shaped from the get go. Pluck bobbled the start and then dawdled the opening quarter while weaving around a fallen jockey (Rosie Napravnik who fell from Rough Sailing. The horse had to be euthanized.). It wasn't much better for Master of Hounds who left the gate well enough but was steadied while entering the first turn. Although John Murtagh would eventually get Master of Hounds barking, it wouldn't match the well-steered stretch run by Garret Gomez aboard Pluck who dove through an opening at the three-sixteenths pole and kicked home a winner.

Pluck wins the 2010 Juvenile Turf


The second leg of my wager was a lot easier. I had plenty of confidence in the speedy, multiple graded stakes winning, Big Drama and felt I had a definite shot at 6-1 with the combination of Atta Boy Roy and jockey Calvin Borel. My third selection of Kinsale King was a wildcard - the Yankee Victor gelding spent his summer chasing Starspangledbanner across the English turf and would now be trying dirt for the first time. In hindsight, I needed better than 13-1.

The race ended up being a breeze. Big Drama left the gate well and Eibar Coa secured a comfortable lead and took off when asked in the stretch coasting home a length and a half in front of Hamazing Destiny. Kinsale King finished seventh. Atta Boy Roy was eased through the stretch and then vanned off with a non-life threatening suspensory injury.

Big Drama gets it done in the BC Sprint


Of the four races, the Turf Sprint scared me the most. The five furlong grass frenzy offered the widest margin for disaster. I don't think it's coincidence that the top three finishers of this race left the gate from inside of post four. There just wasn't much time for outside-placed horses to leave the gate and get position. Woodbine's Grand Adventure had a terrible time out of post eleven.

By design, I went looking for inside horses and selected Chamberlain Bridge (PP1), Unzip Me (PP4), Silver Timber (PP5) and Rose Catherine (PP9.) It was Unzip Me that intrigued me most - the City Zip filly won bravely in the Royal North at Woodbine last August and odds of 10-1 were enticing. The public may regret letting Chamberlain Bridge go to post at odds of 7-1 considering his three turf wins at Churchill (in four starts) and thirteen lifetime wins at the distance - but hindsight handicapping is a powerful tool.

Nothing in this race went right - except for the fact that I expected not much in this race could go right. Grand Adventure started slow and raced wide. California Flag started slow and may as well not have raced. Due Date, under Garret Gomez, might have done better had he not been steadied mid-turn.

When Central City turned into the stretch in front, I was pretty sure I was going to lose this leg of my wager. In fact, less than a hundred yards from the finish I was getting a bit mopey but then Chamberlain Bridge appeared from behind a wall of horses and surged past the wire an easy winner...sort of. Central City held for second and the filly, Unzip Me, rallied for show in a picture over Bridgetown.

The Pick 3 paid $193.60 and I had it twice. Better yet, I was alive to two horses in the Pick 4.

Chamberlain Bridge gets out late to win the Turf Sprint


The best part about getting to the last leg of a Pick 4 is checking out the probable payouts. I felt pretty confident of my chances in the Juvenile with the freaky Uncle Mo on my ticket. The Indian Charlie colt would pay out $1100 to complete the Pick 4. But for thirty minutes or so I was freaking out over the possibility of J.B.'s Thunder, the winner of the Futurity at Keeneland over 8.5 furlongs, who was offering an $11K payout.

The thrill didn't last for long. Uncle Mo was hand-ridden throughout and though he seemed a bit casually paced at the top of the stretch there was no denying his class as he zipped away from the field with ease confirming his status as the early favourite for the 2011 Kentucky Derby. J.B's Thunder kept me sweating until the half but faded and finished ninth.

Uncle Mo carried his momentum to a win in the BC Juvenile


In hindsight, I'm very fortunate to have wagered across races instead of trying for exactors, tris and superfectas. In each race I had the winner but my selections didn't come close at the in-race exotics.

The rest of the card was fairly tame for me until the Classic. My late Pick 4 started easily enough with Goldikova but ended a race later when Morning Line (I also had Tizway) could not hold off a rallying Dakota Phone. I swung and missed in the third leg as well when Behkabad lacked response.

Still, with money in my pocket I was prepared to make one last score in the Breeders' Cup Classic. There was nothing spectacular about the handicapping. I used the top three choices - Zenyatta, Blame and Lookin At Lucky - in various combinations mixing in a little bit of Fly Down and Quality Road for the third and fourth position and nailed the exactor and triactor. If Martin Garcia could have urged Lookin At Lucky home in front of Fly Down, I'd have had the superfecta as well.

It was a very successful day of wagering in that I made a substantial profit, but I'm not sure I'd call it good handicapping as the tickets were far more costly than I'm comfortable playing. As well, nearly every race was burdened with the unexpected - bobbled starts, hurting horses, hard checks, tough post positions. One could argue that's the case with every horse race - but the difference is that not every race card has the payouts to match the Breeders' Cup. It was worth the risk to open my wallet. I'll take this approach again next year in the 2011 Breeders' Cup and hope I get a better trip than Jaycito, Etched and Here Comes Ben. Sometimes, you have to be lucky to be good.

* * *

The Canadian Connections had a good showing at the 2010 Breeders' Cup.

MARATHON
Prince Will I Am (trained by Michelle Nihei, native of Calgary) - The hearty fellow burrowed between rivals and finished second - however, the stewards disqualified him and placed him tenth for veering out and bumping Romp at the five-sixteenths marker.

JUVENILE FILLIES TURF
New Normal (Woodbine-based runner, trained by Mark Frostad) - Perhaps a victim of post position, the Frostad trainee never got rolling finishing 8th.

Quiet Oasis (Canadian-owned by John Paul Reddam, native of Windsor) - Looked to be in good postition at the top of the stretch but faded into seventh place.

Wyomia (Woodbine-based runner, trained by Dan Vella) - Angled in and looked ready to run in the stretch but lacked response settling for sixth.

JUVENILE FILLIES
Delightful Mary (Woodbine-based runner, trained by Mark Casse) - An impressive third behind Awesome Feather and R Heat Lightning.

Joyful Victory (Canadian-bred by Bill Graham of Toronto) - Fifth, coming up empty in the stretch run, but earning $60K for his owner!

FILLY AND MARE TURF
Miss Keller (Woodbine-based runner, trained by Roger Attfield) - A troubled trip with a bump in the late going and a ninth place showing.

LADIES CLASSIC
Milwaukee Appeal (Canadian-bred, Canadian-owned by Eugene George, Woodbine-based runner, trained by Scott Fairlie) - Rated well and looked in prime position at the half before fading to finish 8th.

Seeking the Title (Canadian-owned by Charles Fipke, native of Edmonton) - 8th, never really got going.

Unrivaled Belle (Canadian-co-owned by Peter Vegso of Montreal) - Ka-ching! Challenged for the lead on the turn and then ferocious in the stretch running away from closer Blind Luck.

Unrivalled Belle was unmatched in Friday's Ladies Classic


SATURDAY

JUVENILE TURF
Madman Diaries - (Co-owned by a group that includes Warren Byrne.) - Led the field to the top of the stretch and showed marked determination to hang on for fourth when stretching out for the first time.

TURF SPRINT
Bridgetown (Canadian-owned by Eugene Melnyk, native of Toronto) - Showed good early speed and held on for fourth.

Grand Adventure (Woodbine-based runner, trained by Mark Frostad, owned by Sam-Son Farm) - Had a troubled trip from an outside post and finished ninth.

MILE
Society’s Chairman (Woodbine-based runner, trained by Roger Attfield, co-owned by Charles Fipke) - Never really got going finishing ninth in a race won by the brilliant Goldikova.

CLASSIC
Pleasant Prince - Bred by Frank Stronach in Florida - Squeezed back early and finished in ninth position.

A compilation of Goldikova's three BC Mile victories


* * *

There was plenty of racing action at Woodbine over the weekend as Chantal Sutherland and Pachattack set a track record in the ten furlong Maple Leaf Stakes. The Pulpit filly seemed to be moving casually enough early on but Sutherland and Pachattack continued to widen in the stretch under a hand ride winning by almost six lengths in a time of 2:02.18 - 1.29 seconds faster than the previous record held by Helicopter. Impossible Time and Satan's Quick Chick made up the triactor.

Pachattack wins the Maple Leaf Stakes in record time


On Sunday, eleven horses went to post in the Coronation Futurity and it was Strike Oil, a bay colt by Forest Wildcat who entered the Winter Book for the Queen's Plate with a rousing last-to-first charge under jockey Luis Contreras. The second place finisher, Charlie's The Man, a Roger Attfield trainee by Indian Charlie, was also impressive getting the lead at the top of the lane and kept on well to wire of Woodbine's long stretch. Enduring Star finished third. The win topped off a great weekend for trainer Mark Casse who had six Woodbine winners from Friday to Sunday, plus the great run by Delightful Mary at the Breeders' Cup.

Strike Oil strikes it rich in the Coronation Futurity


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Keep track of the latest horse racing news by clicking into TripleDeadHeat's Woodbine News page or join in on the conversation by following TripleDeadHeat on Twitter.

Woodbine Quick Picks

Well folks...the big day has arrived at Woodbine. My hopes of a larger blog post were derailed this morning when I was offered a spot on Felix Taverna's morning radio show. A little more on that in tomorrow's post which I promise will contain plenty of photos, race video and the inside scoop from three Breeders's Cup Win & You're In Events - The Nearctic, E.P. Taylor and Canadian International.

Redwood is favoured in the International but can he avoid the bounce?


The fields for all three races are listed below with my selections bolded. Good luck!

Canadian International
PP. Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer, ML Odds
1. Memorial Maniac (KY), J Graham, 126, L W Demeritte, 20/1
2. Chinchon (IRE), G K Gomez, 126, C Laffon-Parias, 7/2
3. Mores Wells (GB), S Maillot, 126, R D Gibson, 12/1
4. Simmard (KY), J Castellano, 126, R L Attfield, 15/1
5. Al Khali (KY), A Garcia, 126, W I Mott, 6/1
6. Marsh Side (KY), E S Prado, 126, N D Drysdale, 4/1
7. Joshua Tree (IRE), C O'Donoghue, 122, A P O'Brien, 8/1
8. Redwood (GB), M P Hills, 126, B W Hills, 2/1
9. Fifty Proof (ON), J Stein, 126, I Black, 10/1

Nearctic Stakes
PP. Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer
1. Field Commission (ON), J Castellano, 119, D J Vella
2. Grand Adventure (KY), P Husbands, 121, M R Frostad
3. Bridgetown (FL), E Trujillo, 115, K G McPeek
4. Bogue Chitto (FL), G Olguin, 117, I Howard
5. Towzee (NZ), J Bisono, 117, B A Lynch
6. Amico Fritz (GER), M E Smith, 121, H Pantall
7. Signature Red (KY), L Contreras, 121, S C Attard
8. Sneaking Uponyou (FL), A Garcia, 117, J Ness
9. Fatal Bullet (FL), E R Da Silva, 117, R Baker
10. Serious Attitude (IRE), G K Gomez, 114, R Guest
11. Balthazaar's Gift (IRE), L Morris, 121, C Cox
12. Woodbourne (ON), C Sutherland, 117, R P Tiller

E.P. Taylor Stakes
PP. Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer
1. Shalanaya (IRE), C P Lemaire, 124, M Delzangles
2. Lahaleeb (IRE), J F Egan, 124, P D'Arcy
3. Mekong Melody (IRE), P Husbands, 124, R L Attfield
4. Silver Grey (IRE), R Havlin, 120, R Ingram
5. Reggane (GB), C Soumillon, 124, A De Royer-Dupre
6. Miss Keller (IRE), J Castellano, 124, R L Attfield
7. Contredanse (IRE), G K Gomez, 120, L M Cumani
8. Gallic Star (IRE), C B Catlin, 120, M R Channon
9. Pachattack (KY), C Sutherland, 124, G A Butler
10. Akarlina (FR), T Thulliez, 124, N Clement

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For all the latest news on the Pattison Canadian International, E.P Taylor and Nearctic Stakes click into TripleDeadHeat's Woodbine News page or join in on the conversation by following TripleDeadHeat on Twitter.