VICTORIA

 

 

 

HOT STUFF!

BAKED WOODBINE TAPETA TO BE ROLLED ON FRIDAY

 

The Tapeta main track will be rolled after training after Friday morning in an effort to tighten up the top portion of the track that has become very loose from the change in weather.

Summer-like heat has arrived in southern Ontario quickly – it’s hot and heavy here now after it was hailing/snowing just a couple of Sundays ago.

Thus the Tapeta, which was yielding normal to quick race times has become loose on the top and horses who were running 6 furlongs in 1:10 are now going in 1:13.

“The sun is doing it,” said Irwin Driedger, director of Thoroughbred surfaces at Woodbine Entertainment Group. “The Tapeta is very good as a cold weather surface but we know that in the heat it softens up.”

Driedger has been in constant communication with Michael Dickinson’s company, Tapeta Footings in Maryland, as well as representatives in Dubai who have had experience with high temperatures and the Tapeta.

“We’re going to roll it on Friday after training and it should be better. It will pack the top of the track down where the sun has loosened it.”

Driedger knew that summer heat would have this affect on the Tapeta but did not expect the temperature swing to 28 degrees to occur two weeks after it was just 3 degrees (Celcius).

For handicappers, it has been a tricky test recently, in particular the last 3 racing dates, to find a horse that handles the way the Tapeta was working. Lower claimers were posting times of 1:50 for 1 1/16 miles, 6 furlongs in 1:13 and certainly there have been horses out there who have not handled it.

The track has not had any bias to it – front runners that scored on Monday were all heavy favourites – but the kick-back is getting quite significant and does not help horses trying to come from off the pace.

Keep tabs on those horses who could bounce back once the track is rolled.

 

 

WOODBINE – TOP BEYER SPEED FIGURES FROM DAILY RACING FORM

Sunday and Monday

 

WHERE’S THE WIDGET  – 101

HAMMERSTEIN – 89

SMART SPREE – 88

MY NAME IS MICHAEL – 86

SWEET LITTLE MAN – 86

 MADAME G – 82

CONQUEST CITY GIRL – 80

 

 

WHERE’S THE WIDGET? IN THE LEAD!

(some files from Woodbine)
WHERE’S THE WIDGET, owned by Mary Biamonte and trained by Ralph Biamonte, romped to an emphatic eight-length score in the $125,000 Steady Growth Stakes, the Victoria Day Holiday Monday feature at Woodbine.

The Giant Gizmo gelding, bred in Ontario by Pamela Edel, arrived in the 1 1/16-mile Tapeta event in top form having won three consecutive races, including a sprint this season.

Eurico da Silva wasted little time in putting his charge on the lead, cruising to the front early from the outside post nine. The duo took the field through an opening quarter-mile in :23.89 and were still comfortably in front after a half-mile notched in :48.39.

The slow pace was surprising since some that that Kingsport, under Patrick Husbands, was going to be close. Turned out, no one came close.

As his rivals began to make their bid through the turn, Where’s the Widget, with little urging from da Silva, sprinted away as the field straightened for home, coasting to a seemingly effortless score in the 15th running of the Steady Growth, stopping the clock in a final running time of 1:45.21. The Beyer Figure was 101, a lifetime best for the gelding.

It was the first stakes win for the dark bay, who now has seven trips to the winner’s circle from 18 starts, accompanied by a pair of seconds and three thirds.

It was fourth win on the afternoon for Da Silva, who left soon after the race for a plane taking him to Presque Isle Downs in Erie, Pennsylvania to ride Noholdingback Bear in the Tom Ridge Stakes Monday night. That pair won that stakes race.

Biamonte, who himself had three wins on the Woodbine card, said the signs were there for a dominating performance for Where’s the Widget.

“This horse was training really well all winter in Florida,” Biamonte said. “She grew a lot. The first time Eurico got on him this year, he couldn’t get over the difference and he was a pretty good horse last year. He told me from Day 1, this is going to be one of the better horses up here; fortunately, he was right. I thought there were some really nice horses in there. I said to Eurico there’s going to be a lot of speed, he told me he doesn’t have to be on the lead, which he doesn’t, but I’d rather have him out there.”

Where’s the Widget is from the mare Lori’s Expecation by Valid Expectations.

More Monday – 

SMART SPREE scored a shockingly easy win in this $20,000 claiming race, non-winners of 3. for Trinity Racing and Racers Edge, trainer Norm McKnight. It was the first start of the year for the dark bay 5yo by Smart Strike who wintered at Global Equine Training in Milton, ON. Eurico da Silva began his 4-win day on the Spree, who was claimed by trainer Vito Armata. The winner paid $3.80.

MEL’S RING, another big favourite, led all the way to win this 5 furlong dash for $12,500 claiming. She was sent hard to the lead by Da Silva, opening up a big lead and kept going for her 2nd win of the meeting. She was pulled up in her latest race. Mel’s Ring was the first of 3 winners for trainer Ralph Biamonte. The winner is 4 for 10 in her career and CEC Farms own and Goldmart Farms bred this hard trying little gal.

SPIN WILD at 8 to 5, let Click, from the Biamonte barn, go wild on the lead, 21.90 and then passed him under a nice hold by Alan Garcia to win this $6,250 claimer in his 6th start of the year. It was his 3rd start at this meeting and 4th career win in 30 races. Mike Wright owns and trains. Classy old timer Solo Player was 2nd.

Race 4 was an allowance race on the grass and it started off rocky as Opening Remark broke awkwardly and Da Silva fell off. Three horses pressed the pace early in this 7 furlong dash and that set things for the stalking duo of favoured Drink in my Hand and 14 to 1 shot SWEET LITTLE MAN, who grabbed the lead in early strtech and held off the favourite.

The winner is an Ontario bred by Jazil bred by Don Amos. The 6yo was making his first start of the year for Joey G Thoroughbreds and Shane Barn. He had been claimed for $20,000 last July, won in November for trainer Pat Parente but then was moved to a new barn this year. Gary Boulanger rode the gelding.

race 5- for fillies and mares for $10,000 and at the risk of sounding like a broken record, Eurico da Silva sent a filly from the Norm McKnight barn to the lead, slowed down the pace and won easily. It was the 2nd race of the year for the 4yo by Sardegna. Geocentric came in with a 46.40 workout on the Tapeta, which plays faster in the mornings.

race 6 – MADAME G rallied from off a hot pace to win this $40,000 claiming race at 6 1/2 furlongs on grass in 1:15.02. The Giant’s Causeway mare was no 3 on the day for Ralph Biamonte and no 2 for CEC Farms. Omar Moreno rode this mare who raced only 2 times last year and was 3rd eahc time.

Race 7 – Big win for the promising Kentucky bed PAPA ZULU who had no chance to catch up in his debut on Apr 24 when 2nd but romped in this maiden allowance at 67 furlings. Owned by Gunpowder Farms LLC and trained by Reade Baker, this Broken Vow colt, a $35,000 purchase, was well  back off the pace and split horses 2 wide on the turn and reeled in first time starter Destroy Them, owned by Gary Barber.

The time of 1:25.82 for 7 furlongs was a 79 Beyer Figure.

Race 9 – Not everday you will see an Uncle Mo offspring in for $10,000 but Kinghaven Farms and trainer Ian Black dropped the filly Motown Melody for her 5th career race and shoe won her maiden at 1 1/16 miles in 1:50.65 over the slow surface. The filly was claimed by Ryan Kerbel and trainer Denyse McClachrie.

 

WOODBINE OAKS – JUNE 12

TIZ IMAGINARY – no dream trip but on to Woodbine Oaks for Bill Graham

The Mike Doyle-trained team of 3-year-old fillies for the Woodbine Oaks is as strong as ever after TIZ IMAGINARY overcame a near-disastrous checking incideint on the turn of the 7 furlong Fury Stakes to rally and win for Bill Graham’s Windhaven.

A surprising wave of horses being hard ridden and sent early on the turn of the race did not work well for most of the runners aNd probably should not have worked for the daughter of promising young sire Tizway – Imaginary Gold by Mr. Prospector.

Sent to post at odds of 9-2, Tiz Imaginary raced from fourth position along the rail as Jennifer Lynnette sprinted through splits of :23.47 and :47.11 under pressure from Bearsatlanticmist. Jennifer Lynnette led the field into the turn as Tiz Imaginary was checked and shuffled back to last before being gathered up by Contreras to launch a furious charge, splitting rivals Crumlin Spirit and Bella’s Ballerina, en route to a narrow 1/2-length score. Jennifer Lynnette held place by 1 1/4-lengths over Crumlin Spirit. Tiz Imaginary covered seven furlongs in 1:25.43.

Contreras, who won three races on the card, stayed calm throughout the difficult trip but sure was excited at the wire as he pumped his arm in a big way at the wire.

“Down the backstretch I was in the dream position, saving all the ground. My horse was very comfortable there,” said Contreras. “Just before the three-eighths, they started to move a little bit early and got me in trouble. I just kept my eyes in my head and waited for the perfect time to make a move.

“She really impressed me. Most of the time when you get caught like that, the horse doesn’t give you that response,” continued Contreras. “I just tried to stay calm, let her sit, and wait for the right time to make a run.”

Doyle was full of praise for the improving Tizway (sire of this year’s Wando Stakes winner Bear’sway) bay.

“She’s a pretty nice horse. She’s three for five now. She’s had a couple of bits of trouble along the way, but she’s very nice,” said Doyle.

Although the filly has yet to travel beyond seven furlongs, Tiz Imaginary is now in the mix as one of several contenders for the 1 1/8-miles $500,000 Woodbine Oaks, presented by Budweiser, which is slated for June 12.

Doyle was all smiles when asked if the filly would soon have a chance to try two turns for the first time.

“She’s going to her next start,” said Doyle.

Tiz Imaginary, bred in Ontario by Bill Graham, banked $90,000 in victory while improving her record to 3-0-1 from five starts.

She paid $11, $4.10 and $2.60, combining with Jennifer Lynnette ($3, $2.10) for a $22.40 (2-4) exactor. A 2-4-1 triactor (Crumlin Spirit, $2.40 to show) was worth $43.10.

Doyle also has CRUMLIN SPIRIT, GARAVOGUE COLLEEN and the very nice DUBLIN DIVA for the Oaks, which is shaping up to me, at the moment, a lot more interesting of a race than the Queen’s Plate.

 

POSSIBLES FOR JUNE 12 OAKS

*BEAR’SATLANTICMIST

b.f. Stormy Atlnatic – Karlova Bear Stables Reade Baker (*must be supplemented)

CAREN
b.f.3 by Society’s Chairman(Not Impossible (IRE)) – Jo Zak(Vilzak)
Robert Marzilli Michael P. De Paulo
CONQUEST DYNASTY
dk b/.f.3 by Court Vision(Gulch) – Chick(Sky Classic)
Conquest Stables, LLC Mark E. Casse
CRUMLIN SPIRIT
b.f.3 by Court Vision(Gulch) – Heart Lake(Unbridled)
Dura Racing & M.J.Doyle Racing Stable Ltd. Michael J. Doyle
CURLIN KISSES
ch.f.3 by Curlin(Smart Strike) – Sunset Kisses(Sky Classic)
Conrad Farms Mark E. Casse
DUBLIN DIVA
b.f.3 by Leroidesanimaux (BRZ)(Candy Stripes) – Diva Ash(Tapit)
Dura Racing & M.J.Doyle Racing Stable Ltd. Michael J. Doyle
GAMBLE’S GHOST
dk b/.f.3 by Ghostzapper(Awesome Again) – Gambling Girl(Secret Claim)
Ivan Dalos Josie Carroll
GARAVOGUE COLLEEN
gr/ro.f.3 by Sligo Bay (IRE)(Sadler’s Wells) – Kiamika(With Approval)
Dura Racing & M.J.Doyle Racing Stable Ltd. Michael J. Doyle
JENNIFER LYNNETTE
b.f.3 by Elusive Quality(Gone West) – Lynnette(Johannesburg)
Conrad Farms Mark E. Casse
NESHAMA
b.f.3 by Sligo Bay (IRE)(Sadler’s Wells) – Catch a Fire(Indian Groom)
Carnegie Hill Stable, Kingfield Racing Stable, Ltd., Anderson Farms Ontario, Inc. and John Fielding Catherine Day Phillips
SWOOP AND STRIKE
b.f.3 by Smart Strike(Mr. Prospector) – Dance With Doves(A.P. Indy)
Sam-Son Farm Malcolm Pierce
TIZ IMAGINARY
b.f.3 by Tizway(Tiznow) – Imaginary Gold(Mr. Prospector)
Windhaven Farms Inc. Michael J. Doyle
TRINI BREWNETTE
b.f.3 by Milwaukee Brew(Wild Again) – Dancing Allstar(Millennium Allstar)
Derek A. Chin Daniel J. Vella
WEST L. A. GIRL
ch.f.3 by Singing Saint(El Prado (IRE)) – Bambuyan(Gone West)
Gabe Grossberg Mark E. Casse

More Woodbine recaps

Sunday

MY NAME IS MICHAEL won race 1 at 1 1/8 miles, a starter allowance and a cozy spot for the 5yo horse by Macho Uno. This classy dude was making his season debut for Rachel Halden who trains for Barry Butzer and Wachtel Stable. This guy has loved Woodbine since he came for good last summer with 4 wins now in his 6 starts. He edged a game Seeking the Bay who is doing well for Larry Cappuccitti. The time of 1:52.99 was good for an 86 Beyer Figure according to Daily Racing Form.

John Staples’ filly MARILYNS LAST LOVE, named for the the late Marilyn Hillier, had an awful trip in her season debut on May 8 but had a lovely trip stalking in 3rd in this 5 1/2 furlong allowance race for 3yo fillies. The Ontario sired race had a field of 7 and the winner, ridden by David Moran, powered to the lead and just held by a head over a rail charging Generous Touch. Marilyns Last Love was bred by John Hillier’s Love 2 Win Stable.

race 3 was an $8,000 claiming race at 1 1/16 miles for older horses and BINKS FOREST ended a long winless streak with a front running score (24.41, 48.42 early fractions), his 10th career win. The Mike Wright owned and trained 8yo gelding by Street Cry (Ire) was making his first start since December and was plenty fit even if he showed just one published workout of 5 furlongs in 1:02.20. Emile Ramsammy rode a great race on the classy gelding who is getting close to $300,000 in earnings.

race 4 – FOREST BROTHER, with his big, white face, rallied 4 wide from well off the pace to win this $10,000 claiming race at 6 1/2 furlongs for Marc Berzins and trainer Tim Regan. The son of Old Forester had been 2nd at this level in his opener, 6th in an allowance race and then back with flair for his 2nd career win in his 13th career start. Steve Bahen rode the Berzins homebred.

race 5- on the grass for an allowance race for fillies and mares, non winners of 1 other than. With the rails well out speed fared okay but the very good filly SALTY BREEZE came from second flight to the rail into the stretch and then burst between rivals to win going away. This is a 4yo Stormy Atlantic filly owned and bred by Greenwood Lodge Farm and co-owned by Gillian Campbell., The Josie Carroll trainee won her maiden at Gulfstream in March and was 5th at Keeneland in a 9 furlong race in her last start. Luis Contreras had a super ride. Internal Bourbon led early and stayed on well for 2nd, remember that this filly won the clockwise test turf race.

Race 6, a maiden allowance, open for fillies mares and 7 furlongs and a trio of playmates from their foal days at Gus Schickedanz’s farm, CONQUEST CITY GIRL, Northern Fern and Wonderland were in this good field and it was the former who won big at even-money on the lead. A daughter of City Zip from the fast Woodmoke by Langfuhr was making her 6th career start off a near miss in her local return on April 17. A $525,000 2yo purchase, the Mark Casse trainee is an Ontario bred who is not eligible for the Oaks.

Luis Contreras was smart on HAMMERSTEIN who stole away with race 7 on the pace at 1 mile on the grass. The course favours horses on the lead and inside when the rails are way out anyway and he went 46 and change to the half mile. The dark bay colt, a 4yo for Bill Sorokolit, trained by Darwin Banach, held off a wave of rivals to win for the 2nd time this year on grass (he won at Tampa); The son of Bernstein (yep, same sire as Tepin) posted the day’s best 89 Beyer Figure and is one to watch this season.

CONQUEST PARTYGIRL led all the way through 1 1/16 miles in race 9, a maiden allowance for Ontario sired fillies and perhaps earned a ticket to the Woodbine Oaks. The three-quarter sister to Queen’s Plate winner MIKE FOX was making her 3rd career start and coming out of the key, Copper Fox maiden win (she, a daughter of Mike Fox). Patrick Husbands rode the $90,000 yearling purchase for Mark Casse and the Conquest team. The maidens Enchanted and String Bikini fared okay to be 2nd and 3rd. The time of 1:47.58 was good for a 78 Beyer Figure. The winner would have to be supplemented to the Oaks.

Race 10, a $40,000 claiming race, was won from off the pace by DIXIE WHISTLER, the 2nd winner for trainer Sylvain Pion this season. The winner was ridden by Jermaine Bridgmohan in the 2nd outing of the year and it was his 2nd win in 12 career races.

More Saturday…

Proving that his 90 Beyer Figure maiden debut score was not a fluke, AARONIC BLESSING romped in race 1, an allowance for Ontario-sired 3-year-olds. The grey gelded son of Victor’s Cry, owned and bred by Suzanne and Tim Drake, led all the way to win by more than 4 lengths in 58.02, an 86 Beyer Figure. Alan Garcia rode the Ontario-bred who ran in 56 4/5 in his opener.

Bombs away in race 2, a maiden event for $8,000 claiming as DR DYNAMITE exploded to win from off the pace at 45 to 1. Owned by Copper Water Thoroughbred Co., and trained by Pat Parente, this Bluegrass Cat gelding had 4 races at Gulfstream in the winter for MSW, maiden $35K and maiden $12,500 and he was beaten over 109 lengths in total. Jeff Alderson rode the first-time gelding who had blinkers off. The even money shot in the race was a 6yo maiden making his 2nd career race, Got Connections who rallied to be 3rd.

Nice ride by Gary Boulanger on SEFFEARA to win the 3rd race, an allowance optional claiming race at 6 1/2 furlongs. The race featured the return to racing of champion Calgary Cat but the slow pace left him one-length back of Seffeara in 3rd at the finish. The winner, a stakes winner by Old Forrster, was 4th in the New Providence Stakes in his season opener but wrangled back on the rail in this sprint., He moved out tot he 2 path around the turn tookk the lead and held off Sorry About That for his 5th win in his 11th career race. Steve Owens trains for his Empress Stable.

Race 4- a claiming race for $10,000 went to AUDRE’S ACES, winning for the 2nd straight time this year in her 2nd outing. The Larry Cappuccitti trainee is a Scat Daddy 4yo filly who was ridden by Juan Crawford.

Race 5, on the turf for Ontario sired 3yo and up at 1 mile and MR GRUMPY made a lot of people happy with his win in his 2nd outing of the season. The Sligo Bay (Ire) 5yo gelding is owned and bred and trained by Daryl Hasmatali and also co-owned by Hong Huynh. Emma-Jayne Wilson rode. Gran Bid, the heavy favourite, had some terrible luck with his trip, checked on the turn twice, no room in early stretch and then once free, he flew under whipping but was too late.

Race 6- TROUBLE IN PHOENIX won his maiden for $20,00 claiming for Terry Hamilton and the Brian Lynch barn. The son of Victor’s Cry was making his 3rd career race and first for a claiming price. Patrick Husbands rode and Paul Attard claimed the colt.

Race 7- MERCER ISLAND was a predictable winner of this maiden allowance for Sam-Son Farms. The son of Tapit out of Seattle Envoy by Deputy Minister was making his first start since August and just his 3rd career race. He looks like a nice prospect for trainer Malcolm Pierce. The winner ran a 79 Beyer on the grass.

race 9 a maiden $32,00 claiming race for fillies and mares and there were  5 first-time starters in the field and the seemingly biggest, greenest one won. AMERITIME, a 4yo by Corinthian, was all over the place but rallied to win under Emile Ramsammy for owner Michael Schmeling and trainer Lisa Burry

Race 10 – a maiden allowance at 1 1/16 miles for Ontario sired guys went to TIMINGISEVERYTHING, owned and bred by Osprey Stable. He was 45 to 1 and was blinkers on and stretching out t 1 1/16 miles for the first time and he loved it – he won from well off the pace under Jermaine Bridgmohan and trained Ian Black. The winner is a half brother to stakes winner Eighty Nine Red.

 

TOP 3-YEAR-OLD BEYERS IN NORTH AMERICA

As we get closer to the Queen’s Plate, out TOP TEN list has changed a lot – SHAKHIMAT is still on top by CONQUEST ENFORCER is 2nd (he may not run). Check out this little chart:
Exaggerator SA 09 Apr 1 1/8M  103
Lightstream (f) GP 06 Mar 7F    103
Nyquist CD 07 May 1 1/4M         103
Unified AQU 09 Apr 7F                102
Conquest Enforcer (A) WO 21 May 7F 101
Exaggerator CD 07 May 1 1/4M and Preakness 101
Nyquist SA 15 Feb 7F                      101
Danzing Candy SA 12 Mar 1 1/16M 100
Destin TAM 12 Mar 1 1/16M            100
Stradivari KEE 17 Apr 1 1/8M           100