He’s 8 years old and has had 17 career races, but 15 of them since the beginning of 2019 when he was 7 years old. The very interesting Lemon Drop Kid gelding, RECONFIGURE, claimed for $25,000 13 months ago by Robert Tiller, won for the 6th time in his career in the final of the Turf Sprint Series (taken off the inner turf) on August 27. He also won the third leg of the series in 2019.
MYSTIC NILE kicked off the Thursday card with her 10 to 1 upset of race 1, a $37,500 claiming race for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles on the Tapeta, originally scheduled for the inner turf. The winner, under Leo Salles, came from about six lengths behind a rapid pace set by newcomer Rosebud’s Hope who wound up second and was claimed by Al and Bill Ulwelling. Mystic Nile is owned by Sheldon Pettle and Gilbert Sharpe and trained by Steve Attard. Sparkle Sammy, who was briefly in the pace chase, was eased up and walked off.
Race 2- LADIES SIGNATURE was very impressive in winning this 5 furlong optional claiming race for $40,000, her second win of the year for owner Elvis Waithe and trainer Shana Lopez. Considering the 4-year-old did not finish a race 2 starts back, this Signature Red gal bred by Bob Watson has done very well. She won by 5 1/2 lengths in 57.99.
Race 3- Mickey Demers has done very well with his yearling sale purchases and in particular those by the young stallion Souper Speedy. SOUPER CLASSY won his debut by 5 lengths in this optional claiming event (he did not race for the claiming price) and posted a time of 58.19 for the 5 furlongs. Trained by Mike DePaulo, this guy is out of the Silver Deputy mare Silver Adventure, dam of graded stakes placed Shaft of Light. Bred by successful Ontario breeder Jennifer Leuty, Souper Classy was a $57,000 purchase from the sale last year and he has a half-brother by Reload in the sale, hip no. 122 consigned by Northern Dawn Stables, agent.
Race 4 – Vancouver trainer STEVE BRYANT sent out 24 to 1 shot HE’S MEANT TO BE (Tapizar) to win this $15,00 claiming sprint on Tapeta in a rapid 1:09.95 even after the 3-year-old battled through 22 and 44.31 fractions. He won by a head over 34 to 1 shot Robusto. Bryant, who has won more than 340 races, was away from training for 13 years (2004 to 2017) and trains He’s Meant to Be for owner Bernie Kooner.
Race 5- APPELLA won her maiden in this maiden optional, switching to the Tapeta and drawing off by 1 3/4 lengths for the estate of Gus Schickdanz and trainer Mike Keogh. The Silent Name (JPN) filly has a full sister in the Sept. 2 yearling sale.
Race 6- LAPOCHKA has been a bear this year for Natural Eight Stable and J & B Wright Racing, trainer Bill Tharrenos. The English Channel 7-year-old wore down front runner Bode’s Maker to win by a head for his 4th win of the year and 3rd at the Woodbine meeting. Emma-Jayne Wilson rode.
Race 7 – RECONFIGURE got back on the winning track as he won the third leg of the Turf Sprint Series, which was actually run on the Tapeta. This 8-year-old, who has been racing for Robert Tiller, owner/trainer, won off the claim for Tiller last year and this was his second win for his owner and first of the year. Patrick Husbands took over the riding of this Lemon Drop Kid fellow who just missed the track record for 5 furlongs on Tapeta – he was 10/100ths off with a time of 56.51.
There was not a second leg of the Turf Sprint Series and Hitters Park won the first leg.
Race 8 – Ontario bred GET OFF MY TAIL won her maiden from just off the pace for owner Gary Barber and trainer Mark Casse. The Violence filly was claimed from the win for $25,000 by Bruno Schickedanz.
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