BEST BET: 8- FAST AND READY – Race 2
LONGSHOT: 2 – PEACOCK LASS – Race 8
RACE 1: 4 – SISTER COUSIN; 5 – CRAFTY OAKS; 2- CLASSY IMAGE; 6 – TABLOID MATERIAL
RACE 2: 8- FAST AND READY; 4 – SOUPER ICONIC; 2 – STUD MUFFIN; 1 – CANADIAN AVRO
In the first two races I have picked horses coming back in a week after competing opening weekend. Sister Cousin chased the big favourite in her return to Woodbine and while she is up in claiming price, she is meeting her own age group. In race 2, trainer Mark Casse and jockey Sofia Vives are a potent combo and this guy was fourth to a fast stablemate in a quickly run race on April 27.
RACE 3: 3-WAR PAINTER; 2 – NOVEL; 6 – LADY WELLINGTON; 1 – PRIMA
War Painter, a stakes winner as a 2-year-old in 2023, will have blinkers on for her season opener, perhaps the first step on her journey to the Woodbine Oaks. She has had plenty of good prep times for trainer Kevin Attard and stands out in this field.
RACE 4: 3 – AMERICAN GAMBLE; 6 – CEFALO; 9 – LOADED QUESTION; 2 – VALLEY GIRL
RACE 5: 8- PIERRE; 5 – BEE ME; 2 – APEX; 3 – AMERICAN DECISION
Favoured at 2 to 1 for his debut late last year, Pierre almost pulled off a remarkable win after a bad start and getting some 15 lengths behind.
RACE 6: 3 – SWINGING MANDY’; 4 – OLIVIA ROSE; 5 – WEEHAWKEN; 2 – LIVIN ON LUV
RACE 7: 4- QUEEN MACHA; 1 – HAY HAY PAULA; 7 – MICHELE M.; 2- VERI GIZMO
RACE 8: 9- HONEY PANTS; 6- SUNDAY SHOES; 2 – PEACOCK LASS; 5 – ACCOMPLISHED GIRL
This year’s renewal of the Grade 3 Whimsical Stakes has attracted many intriguing shippers including California Grade 3 winner Honey Pants, who rallied wide and just missed catching a front runner in the Queen Stakes in Nar 16 at Turfway Park. She rejoins the Lasix program and has top rider Luan Machado on board. Sunday Shoes charged through a crowd to win an allowance race at Turfway back in February and this $500,000 purchase is 3 for 4 in her brief career. Peacock Lass seems to ready to peak and speedy Accomplished Girl must be caught.
RACE 9: 6- MRS. GREEN; 1 – OWEN’S TOUR GUIDE; 5 – HOWABOUTDEMAPPLES; 2 – PLEASURE’S GOLD
RACE 10: 1 – STOLEN; 3 – MY ASSISTANT; 7 – KRYPTO GAINS; 2 – ROOKIE COURT; 4- SPEEDY JOHNY
