Best Bet – (9) STRATE REMARK – Race 7
Spot Play - (7) OPTIMYSTICAL – Race 8
Pick 4 (.20 cents, Races 4-7) - 2, 7, 8 / 1, 5, 6, 8 / 5, 6 / 2, 6, 9 = $14.40
Race 1 – (3) GIANT CRITIC won his maiden on the turf last year and he started 2020 on the grass but the field was much tougher. He moves to the inner turf course and could pop up if he can stalk the other speed. (2) TOLD IT ALL was a handy winner on this course at this distance against maidens on June 21 by leading all the way. There is other speed in this small field but perhaps he can withstand the pressure. (6) FRAC ATTACK made a big move in a short turf dash last month to land third and he should like the longer distance. (1) NATIVE PRINCE was placed first in a maiden race on this course last fall so he has yet to cross the finish line in front. Still, he obviously loves the grass.
Race 2- (6) GHOST ISLAND came off the layoff to win his maiden in a long sprint and then led for about half of his latest at this route distance. He meets slightly easier with Rafael Hernandez staying on board. (5) CAUSE FOR ALARM often picks up a a close placing and he has been in the top four in his last eight straight races. He needs a lot more oomph in the last furlong however. (1) COUNTRYSIDE DRIVE was a few lengths behind Cause for Alarm when he came off the vacation June 19 and he cam go forward. (2) POSTMAN PAT exits a key race in a good outing that ended a 1 1/2 year layoff.
Race 3- (5) BORN TO BE KING may be all set to win his maiden as he makes his third start off the layoff, often a peak race for a returning horse. He had a couple of solid Beyer Figures last fall in Tapeta sprints and he switches from a turf race back to the main track. He is also adding blinkers for the first time and that could keep him focused early. (4) MISTER OAKLEY will also add blinkers for the first time and switch from turf to Tapeta for his third race of the year. More has been expected from him to this point but the class drop could work well for him. (2) CANADIAN SECRET took the big class drop to maiden claiming July 2 and had trouble but was a neck from second place. (1) LORD OF LEGENDS is very quick and is a danger on the pace.
Race 4- (7) BENS LAST CALL could win the first leg of the Pick 4 in his second outing of the year, dropping to $7,000 claiming. He has done okay at route distances on the main track and switches back to Tapeta after his return on turf. (2) LAUDERDALE will move forward off his sprinting return and he has his favourite rider Slade Callaghan on board, (8) THEREALQUAFF is the front running threat as he moves out to a route distance after showing big speed in a long sprint. He is overdue for a victory. (9) SEEMEE flopped in his season debut at 4 to 5 but adds Lasix in this first race for his new trainer Debra Rombis.
Race 5 – The Martin Drexler barn has a firm hold on this inner turf race for $20,000 claiming. (5) DEEP FREEZE has won first time out on the season in 2019, 2018 and 2016 and this is his second try on the inner turf. (1) FLORIDA WON is a classy 9-year-old with more than $500K in earnings. He will be tough to hold off if his stablemate goes too quickly on the pace. (6) KING AND HIS COURT gets his first start of the year and will appreciate a move back to the grass for the Beet The Feet Racing Syndicate. (8) DOT'S VISION ran a big race in his latest in a turf sprint and he likes the inner turf course.
Race 6 – Stakes winner (6) MY SILENCER makes his first start in a year and he has run well when fresh in his brief career. This owner and trainer had a speedy winner off a long layoff recently in Not So Quiet. (5) CASH DIVIDEND has been working like the wind for his season debut but he will have to hurry. (3) NEVAEH'S DREAM won first time out last year and is a consistently good fellow. (2) SILENCE BREAKERS is also in the trifecta picture based on two good efforts at shorter distances.
Race 7 – .(9) STRATE REMARK, a BC-bred from Alberta, came to Ontario via Tampa Bay and his turf debut on June 28 was super. He has to avoid getting burned out in a similar pace battle, however with (2) FRONT NINE as these two went to an early war last time. (6) MAJESTIC SLEW posted a 91 Beyer Speed Figure in a turf sprint in his second try on the turf. (4) LOKINFORPURSEMONEE comes off a nice win against easier on Tapeta and can rally for a piece.
Race 8 – (7) OPTIMYSTICAL ran a super race in his career debut last year and he tumbles in class for his return.(4) BLUE FORESTER gets a further class drop from his season opener when he had early speed. The blinkers come off and he gets the slight nod. (6) GIANT ATTRACTION had a wake up outing second time out, opening up a big lead on the turn but he could not hold his advantage. He is a contender again but needs to save something for the last furlong. (5) DYNA'S GAMBLE has changed owner and trainer since an even effort in his latest.
Photo by John Watkins
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Jennifer Morrison has been a public handicapper for the Toronto Star, Globe & Mail and Daily Racing Form. She is currently a writer for CanadianThoroughbred.com, Blood-Horse and Toronto Star and is the simulcast handicapper for Ajax Downs.
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