Track announcer Dan Loiselle, the voice of Canadian horse racing, brought his 29-year career as thoroughbred race caller to a close with a stirring stretch call as Galina Point stormed home victorious in Sunday’s $125,400 Lady Angela Stakes, at Woodbine.
Trained by Mark Casse for owner Gary Barber, Galina Point arrived at the seven furlong sprint for Ontario-sired sophomore fillies from a good third-place run in the Fury Stakes on May 3.
The undefeated Pohdi Pohdi, sent to post as the even-money favourite, set splits of :23.16 and :46.23 in the Lady Angela under steady pressure from Classyshadesofgrey. Galina Point, racing from sixth position before the turn, followed the rallying River Maid through the final turn and was all out down the lane to score a narrow head victory. Pohdi Pohdi stayed on strong for show money. Galina Point covered seven furlongs in 1:23.35.
“It’s a filly fist fight in the Lady Angela,” implored Loiselle as River Maid overtook Pohdi Pohdi with Galina Point launching her menacing run. “Outside Galina Point, inside River Maid…down to the wire together…Galina Point stormed home to win the Lady Angela..and that’s that!”
Woodbine racing analyst Dawn Lupul called the remainder of the card as Loiselle made his way to the winner’s circle to present the trophy to the winning connections and then greet racing fans and sign autographs at a cake cutting ceremony.
Robert Geller, formerly the track announcer at Emerald Downs Racetrack, will call his first race at Woodbine on Saturday, June 13. Backup announcer Greg Blanchard will be filling in on an interim basis until Geller’s first foray into the announcer’s booth on the eve of the Woodbine Oaks, presented by Budweiser.
Galina Point enjoyed a solid juvenile campaign posting a record of 2-3-0 from six starts including a win in the South Ocean Stakes. The bay daughter of Saffir, bred in Ontario by Spring Farm, was making her third start of the season after a seventh-place run in the Star Shoot and her strong Fury effort.
She banked $75,000 in victory while improving her record to 3-3-1 from nine career starts.
Galina Point paid $9.90, $5.50 and $2.70, combining with River Maid ($8.40, $3.60) for a $61.50 (6-3) exactor. A 6-3-9 triactor (Pohdi Pohdi, $2.10 to show) was worth $178.10, while a $1 Superfecta [6-3-9-2 (Our Nat’s)] came back $738.80.
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