No Coverage for Bison City or My Dear Sunday June 28th

TTTI will not be covering this Sunday's Stakes events at Woodbine. Unforseen circumstances have left me with other responsibilities for Sunday. Sorry for any inconvenience. And here is the rest of it. Read more!

Marlang Opts Out of King Eddie

TTTI was told by trainer Debbie England today that Marlang will scratch out of the King Edward Handicap tomorrow. Instead, the '08 Breeders' Stakes winner will race in an allowance event going a mile on the E.P. Taylor turf course this Sunday at Woodbine. Apparently the outfit is looking for an easier spot to start off Marlang's '09 campaign. Sunday's stakes will be posted tomorrow night. And here is the rest of it. Read more!

Saturday June 27th, 2009 - King Edward Stakes Gr. II, Three-Year-Olds & Upward, One Mile & One Eighth (Turf)

History Lesson: The King Edward Stakes was originally run on the dirt over a distance of a mile and a quarter at Old Woodbine Racetrack back in 1903, having been introduced as the King Edward Gold Cup. The race had been reduced to a mile and one-sixteenth in 1920 until 1957 when Woodbine moved to its current location. Since then it has been a turf race and in 1995 was lengthened to one mile and one-eighth. There are some very impressive records held since the race's inception; Sam-Son Farm has the most wins by an owner with eight, the last coming in 2005 with Silver Ticket. Canadian jockey greats Robin Platts and the late Dave Penna hold the most wins by a rider with four, while Lou Cavalaris Jr. stands alone in trainers victories with seven. Inferno holds the record for most wins by a racer with three; all of which were won consecutively between 1906-1908. The current record time for the King Edward Stakes was set in 1995 by Bold Ruritana in 1:45 1/5.

King Edward Stakes 2009: This season's King Eddie has a small, but talented group of older horses, including the likes of '08 Breeders' Stakes winner Marlang and '08 Grade I Woodbine Mile champion Rahy's Attorney. The field of seven will vie for a purse of $300,000 in what has shaped up to be a much anticipated event.

Here is a look at the field by post position:

1 Sterwins by Runaway Groom out of Sweet Vale (Wild Again) Own: Melnyk Racing Stables Inc., Trainer: Malcolm Pierce, Jockey: Patrick Husbands

2 Society's Chairman by Not Impossible (Ire) out of Athena's Smile (Olympio) Own: Charles E. Fipke and George Waud, Trainer: Roger Attfield, Jockey: Jono Jones

3 Rahy's Attorney by Crown Attorney out of Rahy's Hope (Rahy) Own: Ellie Boje Farm, Peters, Read, Jean and Jim MacLellan, Trainer: Ian Black, Jockey: Slade Callaghan

4 Marlang by Langfuhr out of Marienburg (Conquistador Cielo) Own: Gustav Schickendanz, Trainer: Deborah England, Jockey: Richard Dos Ramos

5 French Beret by Broad Brush out of Misty Mission (Miswaki) Own: Sam-Son Farm, Trainer: Mark Frostad, Jockey: Eurico Rosa Da Silva

6 Wollemi Pine by Aljabr out of Toogie Pine (Pine Bluff) Own: Kinghaven Farms, H. Clarke and G. Thompson, Trainer: Ian Black, Jockey: Emma-Jayne Wilson

7 Baletti by Gulch out of Cullberg Ballet (Ire)(Sadler's Wells) Own: Castletop Stable, Trainer: Angel Penna Jr., Jockey: Rajiv Maragh

The Skinny: For a small field it looks very competitive. It appears to be a rematch of the Connaught Cup on May 24th with four of the seven horses coming back for this one.

Sterwins was the winner of the Connaught Cup back in May, capturing the event by a head over rival Rahy's Attorney with a late rally, out wide, driving to the wire. The Malcolm Pierce trainee would post a very good 101 Beyer figure in the win and upped his bank roll to a very impressive $691,583 lifetime. This start will be the gray geldings' fourth start of 2009 and may be on his way to two wins in a row, as he carries 121 lbs. in comparison to rival Rahy's Attorney's heavier task. Sterwins last worked on June 20th five furlongs in 1:00 2/5 over the Woodbine poly. Leading rider Patrick Husbands aboard and a little more distance will be favorable to this late running closer. Should take a whole lot of money at the windows, major player here.

Rahy's Attorney will come out for his second start off his winter layoff and will be in much better shape for this race. He, like counter-part Sterwins, posted a 101 Beyer in the Connaught Cup, but just couldn't hold on for the win in the last few yards of the race. Just as in that last race, Rahy's Attorney will carry 126 lbs. and though he can handle the weight, it may prove to be his demise on this day. He should be the early speed in the race and may try to wire his foes again. The five-year-old gelding last worked on June 20th five furlongs over the polytrack in a time of 1:01 3/5. The outfit has a nice 27% of winners coming back after 31-60 days off. The million dollar earner should be the morning line favorite and is one to lay your money on in most wagering situations.

Roger Attfield sends out Society's Chairman, another Connaught Cup competitor, who will start for his fifth time in '09. This guy was all out on the May 24th turf contest but couldn't get to rivals Sterwins and Rahy's Attorney. He is a very consistent runner and should benefit from the extra distance in this race. 10-4-2-2 lifetime over the grass, Society's Chairman is a turfer through and through and will have to step it up against this group to finish in the top three again. Should stalk the front runners, always in contention. He last breezed five-eighths 1:01 4/5 over the poly on June 20th after three straight previous works over the grass at Woodbine. The outfit is having a nice season with a 22% in the wins column, but has only gone 17% in the 31-60 layoff range. Little interest for the win.

French Beret is the fourth runner in the King Edward to come out of the Connaught Cup on May 24th, where he would finish fifth, four and a half lengths back of rival Sterwins. The Frostad trainee is no stranger to tough competition, but has seemed to lack the ability to get the job done as of late. French Beret has four wins lifetime in 38 tries and may not have the late speed to match these rivals. He last worked on June 20th over five furlongs on the polytrack in 1:01 4/5. The outfit clicks at 16% on 31-60 day layoffs which is a little bit of a deterrent when at the betting windows. Not this time.

Trainer Ian Black also sends out Kinghaven Farms owned Wollemi Pine. This guy loves the turf, earning over 240k career-wise on the grass, which includes nine top three finishes in thirteen attempts. Black looks to stretch his horse out here going this distance for the first time. Wollemi Pine has been running no longer than a mile on the turf throughout his career, making this a very big test for the five-year-old gelding. This guy usually sits off the pace, around mid-pack making his bid down the home-stretch. Emma Wilson is the usual rider and comes back this time which is a positive. Wollemi Pine last worked on June 20th over the poly in 1:02 flat going five-eighths of a mile and last raced June 3rd against allowance company finishing a dismal fifth in the six furlong turf event. Looking elsewhere on this day.

Southern invader Baletti comes to Woodbine for the first time for conditioner Angel Penna Jr. This horse has been racing against company throughout his '08 and '09 campaigns and only broke his maiden in his second start last season at the age of four. Baletti has scored twice in a row however, with wins coming at Keenland and Belmont Park in his last race, where he posted a very nice 101 Beyer in the mile and one-sixteenth turf event. This guy has three lifetime wins over the grass in sixteen tries and last worked over the dirt at Belmont in 1:01 4/5 breezing. The horse may be outclassed in this one, though he has had steady success in his three starts in 2009 and could be an outside chance for a score. Keep in mind that most ship-ins at Woodbine do not always fare well.

The youngster in this race is Marlang, the four-year-old colt by Langfuhr and winner of the 2008 Breeders' Stakes. This Deb England trainee has a knack for the grass, with a career record of 5-3-0-1 and earnings of $441,984 on the sod. This will be Marlang's first test of 2009 and it couldn't be much tougher going against the likes of this field. Positives for this guy are the steady turf training this year, including a bullet work of :58 3/5 over five furlongs on June 14th, and the stable's 40% winning after 180 plus days off, as well as 31% win on the turf. Regular rider Richard Dos Ramos is aboard again for this one and knows how to get this horse to the wire first. Watch for the duo to go to the lead and try to wire the field as they did in the Breeders' Stakes last year. Don't be deterred by the first outing, he's ready, should be tough.

My Picks: 3-1-4

Please feel free to leave your comments and picks for the Grade II King Edward Stakes. Read more!

Special Report: Accident at Woodbine Wednesday June 17th, 2009

This report is not a topic normally covered by TTTI, however, there was an accident at Woodbine Racetrack this Wednesday June 17th, 2009 that involved three horses and would see two jockeys be taken to hospital due to injuries, while horse Oliver's Strike was pronounced dead on the scene.

Jockeys Chad Beckon and Simon Husbands were involved in a tragic accident on the Woodbine polytrack which also included a third horse and jockey Patrick Husbands, Simon's brother, who would luckily get out of the way in time. Beckon and Simon Husbands look to be seriously hurt as they lay unmoving on the track after the incident occured.

Oliver's Strike, a three-year-old gelding by prominent sire Smart Strike, with Beckon aboard would collapse coming toward the second turn of the mile and one-sixteenth third race, sending Beckon over top of the horse, only to be crushed under the falling equine. Behind Beckon and Oliver's Strike, in an instant, Husbands and his horse Kensington Oval, would come right on top of the two, catapulting Husbands off his mount to the ground so hard he bounced roughly twenty feet forward. Simon's brother Patrick would watch the accident unfold right in front of him as he pulled up his horse Naval Strike just in time to avoid further damages to the fallen riders and himself.

It was said on many news stations over radio and television that the riders conditions were unknown, but that they were taken to hospital to be treated for their injuries. Knowing many of the officials, trainers and jockeys at Woodbine, all the hearsay began to spread quickly. From very creditable sources, the word around the track is that Simon Husbands has a broken collarbone and some scrapes and bruises and is being treated by the medical staff at Etobicoke General, while Chad Beckon has not been so lucky. According to sources, Beckon was taken to Sunnybrook Hospital to the Intensive Care Unit as he had suffered a seizure, in an unconscious state, after the fall . Apparently the seizure had subsided leaving Beckon in a coma, whether the coma was induced by docters is unknown. It is heard that Beckon is in stable but critical condition at this point.

The news stations will also tell the public that the horse Oliver's Strike will be going to Guelph for an autopsy to answer the cause of death. TTTI had learned from the horse's trainer Mike Keogh, just after the race, that the horse was dead before the horse ambulance arrived, leaving no need to perform euthanasia. According to Keogh's source, thoughts would have that Oliver's Strike had succumbed to cardiac arrest, leaving the horse to topple forward by force of speed, eventually breaking both front legs of the equine athlete. These are the thoughts of experienced horsemen and not veterinarians, however, there is a likeliness that these horsemen have seen the likes of this accident before and their judgment is definitely justifiable.

TTTI would like to wish riders Chad Beckon and Simon Husbands speedy recoveries and hope to see them up and riding again in the near future. Also, to wish all the best to family and friends who are at Sunnybrook Hospital and Etobicoke General Hospital to be with Chad and Simon through their injuries. To Chad personally, don't give up, keep fighting to live another day.

****Update: The rumors of Simon Husbands collarbone being broken were just that. He is a little beat up with minor injuries to the left wrist and some scrapes and bruises, but he was on the Woodbine grounds today and ready to ride.

Apparently Chad Beckon has come out of his coma and is able to move all of his extemities and can recognize his wife, family and friends. He is still in pretty bad shape and will take a long time to recover. TTTI wishes Chad a speedy recovery. Read more!

You Betcha, Olredlgetcha Wins Victoria Stakes

Sunday June 14th at Woodbine Racetrack would see the first juvenile stakes event of 2009 with the 103rd running of the Victoria Stakes. Conditioner Greg De Gannes' first time starter Olredlgetcha would shock the fans with the upset victory at odds of 10-1, giving the conditioner back to back Victoria Stakes wins.

It was a lovely afternoon at the Toronto oval, sun shining, cool breeze and some very exciting racing, including the sixth race and first feature of the day, the Victoria Stakes. The five furlong sprint would have seven colts vying for their share of the $150,000 purse, including three out-of-towners. Unfortunately the lone filly in the race, Midst, was scratched, but that did not take away from the action on the track as, first time starter, Olredlgetcha, surprised everyone with a huge open length score.

At the break from the gate, Dant would be on top, out of the two hole, with Fearless Cowboy and ship-in favorite Liquid Fire right there with him. Dant would be overtaken just before the first quarter by Fearless Cowboy with Olredlgetcha passing rivals to get into contention in third, while Liquid Fire would already fall off the leaders and begin his decent to the back of the pack. Coming out of the turn Fearless Cowboy would have a narrow lead on Dant and Olredlgetcha would begin making a charge for them roughly five lengths back, with jockey Emile Ramsammy laying down the left handed encouragement with authority. The duo would gain with every stride on the leaders, who were battling it out along the rail, whipping past them on the outside with amazing speed, by the time they reached the final sixteenth. Olredlgetcha would go on to win by three lengths in an all out drive in a time of :57.56, while Fearless Cowboy would win the fight for second over a tiring Dant, who would get to the wire in time before a fast closing pair in Sir Heart Throb and Bricklayer.

For full results to the 103rd running of the Victoria Stakes click here: http://www.equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/WO061409CAN6.pdf Read more!

Authenicat Class of the Litter in Ballade Stakes

Authenicat and jockey Robert Landry showed fans true class on Saturday June 13th at Woodbine Racetrack, as the duo would get away from the field for the win in the $125,000 Ballade Stakes.

Woodbine's feature race this past Saturday would see a field of ten fillies and mares compete in the six furlong Ballade Stakes. With Bent Attorney opting out for the Zadracarta Stakes on Sunday and Jovial Jill scratching as well, morning line favorite and Josie Carrol trainee, Authenicat, would take on her nine remaining rivals with ease.

With a clean break from the gate the Ballade would start with Only If Split taking charge and setting the early fractions while being pressured the whole way by You Will Love Me to her inside and Kaleidoscope Kerry to her right. Eventual winner Authenicat and rider Robert Landry would sit mid-pack, very patiently, waiting for the moment to pounce on their rivals. As the field would come to the turn Only If Split would be challenged by Kaleidoscope Kerry and long shot Krz Exec would also be there to their outside. Meanwhile, You Will Love Me would begin to tire along the rail and Authenicat would begin her run going between the tiring mare and London Snow to her outside and then angled wide by Landry on the turn to meet the front runners at the head of the stretch, where she would be five wide and full of run. Only If Split would not be able to match the stride of Authenicat down the lane and would begin to tire while the chestnut daughter of D'Wildcat would drive clear of the pack with an eighth of a mile to go, winning the event by a length and a half in a time of 1:10.22. A late closing Mia d'Cougar would pass tiring horses and get up for a place finish over Krz Exec, while Executive Flight would charge late for fourth after having been blocked down the stretch.

Jockey Rob Landry would reflect on the trip, "It looked like there was some speed in the race and I was just able to track them, I put her head in the clear and she pretty much did the rest." Landry goes on to give credit to the trainer and staff getting Authenicat ready for the race, "Josie always prepares her horses great and that makes our (jockey's) job a lot easier when they come over here that way. She (Authenicat) had been training and working well up to the race, she's a very talented filly."

For full results to the 13th running of the Ballade click here: http://www.equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/WO061309CAN8.pdf Read more!

Sunday June 8th, 2009 - Victoria Stakes, Two-Year-Olds, Five Furlongs

History Lesson: The Victoria Stakes is one of Canada's longest running stakes events. It's inaugural running was in 1903 at the Old Woodbine Racetrack. It was moved to the current Woodbine track in 1956. The race has been run at five furlongs for the majority of it's tenure and had seen some years where it was run at five and a half furlongs (1956-78). It had been a dirt race until 2006 when Woodbine switched its dirt surface for the synthetic polytrack and back in 1979 the Victoria was run for its only time over the turf. In 1981, famed thoroughbred sire Deputy Minister had won the event, setting the record time of :57.20. Trainer Gil Rowntree and jockeys Avelino Gomez and David Clark all have four wins in this race holding the records in their respected categories, while Stafford Farms holds the record number of wins by an owner with five, the last coming in 1976. Since the race's inception it has seen sixteen fillies win the event with the last coming in 1994, won by Honky Tonk Tune.

Victoria Stakes 2009: The 103rd running of the Victoria Stakes will be an interesting bunch of juveniles vying for the $150,000 purse. There is a good looking field of eight, comprised of seven colts and one filly (Midst). Three horses have shipped in for the five furlong event being Bricklayer, Liquid Fire and U Appeal to Me. As always this should prove to be an exciting race as it is the first juvenile stakes contest at Woodbine in 2009.

Here is a look at the field by post position:

1 Midst by Closing Argument out of Procure (Quiet American) Own: Heiligbrodt Racing Stable, Trainer: Mark Casse, Jockey: Patrick Husbands

2 Dant by Offlee Wild out of Golden Diva (Gold Fever) Own: Heiligbrodt Racing Stable, Trainer: Steven Asmussen, Jockey: Luis Contreras

3 Liquid Fire by Milwaukee Brew out of Wing Woman (Golden Missile) Own: Wesley A. Ward, Trainer: Wesley Ward, Jockey: John Velazquez

4 U Appeal to Me by Successful Appeal out of Miss Adorable (Mr. Prospector) Own: Oak Crest Farm LLC and John H. Adger, Trainer: Michael Stidham, Jockey: Emma-Jayne Wilson

5 Fearless Cowboy by El Corredor out of Fearless Wildcat (Forest Wildcat) Own: Gulf Coast Farms LLC, Trainer: Sandra Dominguez, Jockey: Slade Callaghan

6 Sir Heart Throb by Olmodavor out of Royal Distraction (Maria's Mon) Own: Takes To Make Stable and Partner, Trainer: Mark Casse, Jockey: Patrick Husbands

7 Bricklayer by El Corredor out of Miss Brickyard (A.P. Indy) Own: Dogwood Stable, Trainer: Frank A. Alexander, Jockey: Chantal Sutherland

8 Olredlgetcha by Limehouse out of Mystical Beauty (Cobra King) Own: R Own Stables, Trainer: Gregory De Gannes, Jockey: Emile Ramsammy

The Skinny: Well what can be said about these youngsters? There is a filly who looks tough enough, a maiden in Dant, a first time starter in Olredlgetcha and the rest of the field have recorded wins in their short race careers. It's wide open so we'll start from the one-hole to the outside post.

Midst is one of two entries by Heiligbrodt Racing Stable and may be the one to be watchful of the two. This is the lone filly in the race. She has seen action in Keenland this year through April, where she would have a second place finish in her debut on the 4th and come back in twenty days to break her maiden on the 24th. Both races would be against the girls in maiden allowances at four and a half furlongs, so this may prove to be a very tough spot for her against the boys. Trainer Mark Casse is very sharp with juveniles and wouldn't have her here if he didn't think she had a shot. Her last work would be a quick 1:00 4/5 over the Woodbine poly which she has been working over since mid-May. She'll have to get in front from the break if she wants to stay in contention, not sure who will ride as Husbands is also listed on Sir Heart Throb.

Dant is one of two maidens in the Victoria and the second of the Heiligbrodt entries. Asmussen sends the son of Offlee Wild out for his third career start after picking up a third and second place effort in the first two. He has been favored in both of his career starts only to come up short to rivals Sir Heart Throb and Fearless Cowboy. He may get an advantage as maidens will have a weight allowance and he will carry 117lbs, while previous winners carry 122lbs. Don't like his chances from the post position and from his most recent work of 1:03 1/5. Would like to see this guy break his maiden in an easier spot.

Training at Keenland and racing at Churchill Downs has seen Wesley Ward's ship-in Liquid Fire go one for one, back on May 6th. The son of Milwaukee Brew is getting super-star jockey John Velazquez aboard again looking to make it two for two. You should see this guy take a lot of money at the windows as most handicappers will notice that the outfit clicks at 31% in second starts. The colt last breezed on June first going three furlongs in :38 flat. Looks like he'll go for the lead from the start and hold off the field. Should be a top choice.

U Appeal to Me is shipped in from Arlington Park for conditioner Stidham after picking up his first win in his first try on May 28th against maiden allowance company. He would be the favorite on that day and may be a probable favorite on this day. He gets one of Woodbine's best in rider Wilson and should be another to keep in the mix. He won coming out of the four-hole in his first start, so he does not appear to be bothered by foes around him. Last worked on June 10th in :36 2/5 over three furlongs at Arlington Park.

Fearless Cowboy comes out for trainer Sandra Dominguez for his third start of his career, as the El Corredor colt had picked up a win in his last event against maiden allowance company over four and a half furlongs on May 24th, beating rival Dant by one and a quarter lengths. This guy is the outfits lone winner of the '09 campaign and may be an outside chance at win number two. He last worked on June 6th with a bullet :59 2/5 over five furlongs.

The second Casse entrant is Sir Heart Throb, a winner in his first career start of over two lengths and even more over third place finisher and Victoria rival Dant, back on May 10th. Again, Husbands has the call on this guy and the filly Midst, but who's his first choice. He would breeze in 1:01 flat on June 5th for his most recent work. As mentioned earlier Casse is sharp with the two-year-olds, this guy should be a player here, with or without Husbands.

Bricklayer ships in for trainer Frank Alexander out of New York. The colt has been training at Belmont and would have his first test on April 23rd at Aqueduct, where he would pick up the victory against maiden allowance horses. Chantal Sutherland takes the reins this time and she has been very good this year, which should give this guy a boost on the betting line. Though Bricklayer has not raced in almost two months he has worked honestly with the last breezing in :49 flat at Belmont. Hot jockey could help this guy's cause along with first time lasix, though the outfit is winless in second starts.

Olredlgetcha is a first time starter being sent out by Greg De Gannes, whose outfit would win the Victoria last year with Southern Exchange. De Gannes clicks at 12% with firsters and has had this guy on the Woodbine grounds since early May getting prepped for this one. His last work would come over a half-mile in :48 3/5 and the horse will be starting the lasix program for his first life time start. Just watching this time.

My Picks: 3-1-6

Please feel free to leave your comments and picks for the 103rd running of the Victoria Stakes. Read more!

Saturday June 13th, 2009 - Ballade Stakes (An Ontario SIre Stakes), Fillies & Mares, Three-Year-Olds & Upward, Six Furlongs

History Lesson: The Ballade Stakes is rather new to Canadian thoroughbred racing being introduced in 1997 at Woodbine Racetrack. It has always been run at a distance of six furlongs, first over a dirt surface and now over the polytrack at the Toronto oval. The race has several records that are tied up between two or more parties. The most wins by a trainer has a four-way tie between Bob Tiller, Mort Hardy, Wray Lawrence and Sid Attard at two wins a piece. There is a three-way tie for most wins by a horse with Barlee Mist, Mysterious Affair and Brass In Pocket all with two wins. As far as owners go, Frank DiJulio Jr., Mort Hardy and Barlee Farm all have two victories in the Ballade. Richard Dos Ramos is the lone record holder for most wins by a jockey with three. Bob Tiller's trainee Brass In Pocket holds the current record time in the race in 1:09.08 set in 2004.

Ballade Stakes 2009: This is the 13th running of the Ontario Sire Stakes race and it is looking very promising with a good looking field of twelve fillies and mares ready to battle for the $125,000 purse. However, the field may shrink in size as four horses are also entered into Sunday's overnight stakes event, the Zadracarta, on the E.P. Taylor turf course. The

Here is a look at the field by post position:

1 Executive Flight by Bold Executive out of Harvest the Sky (Skywalker) Own: William A. Sirokolit Jr., Trainer: Darwin Banach, Jockey: Emile Ramsammy

2 Mia d'Cougar by D'Wildcat out of Matter of Law (Matter of Honor) Own: Brenda L. Goodlet, Trainer: Tino Attard, Jockey: Chantal Sutherland

3 You Will Love Me by One Way Love out of Trinnon (Anshan (GB)) Own: William G. Jones, Trainer: Earl Barnett, Jockey: Eurico Rosa Da Silva

4 Authenicat by D'Wildcat out of Authenic Deed (Alydeed) Own: Vinery Stables LLC and Fog City Stables, Trainer: Josie Carroll, Jockey: Robert Landry

5 Impossible Time by Not Impossible (Ire) out of Classiest Carat (Pleasant Colony) Own: Charles E. Fipke, Trainer: Roger Attfield, Jockey: Jono Jones

6 Only If Split by One Way Love out of She's A Devil (Devil's Bag) Own: K.K. Sangara, Trainer: Lorne Richards, Jockey: Justin Stein

7 Bent Attorney by Crown Attorney out of Dynamite Dancer (Lite the Fuse) Own: Centennial Farms Inc., Trainer: Donald C. MacRae, Jockey: Emma-Jayne Wilson

8 Nicki Knew by Tethra out of Panteccaria (San Romano) Own: Knob Hill Stable, Trainer: Kevin Attard, Jockey: Tyler Pizarro

9 London Snow by Trajectory out of Muriel (Bold Executive) Own: Kirk Bradden Stables Inc., Trainer: John Charalambous, Jockey: Steven Bahen

10 Kaleidoscope Kerry by One Way Love out of Kerry Dancer (Bold Executive) Own: Domenic Truimbari, Trainer: John A. Ross, Jockey: Patrick Husbands

11 Jovial Jill by Bold Executive out of Jovial Blast (Lite the Fuse) Own: Shyman Farm, Trainer: Martin Drexler, Jockey: Slade Callaghan

12 Krz Exec by Bold Executive out of Krz Lady (Regal Intention) Own: Sylon Stable and Partner, Trainer: Michael De Paulo, Jockey: Jerry Baird


The Skinny: This sprint brings a good group of fillies and mares, but the question is: How big will this field be by Saturday afternoon? Bent Attorney, Krz Exec, London Snow and Executive Flight are all entered into a turf sprint on Sunday, the Zadracarta Stakes, an overnight stakes event. Either way it should be an exciting race and we should keep our eyes on the likes of Kaleidoscope Kerry, Authenicat and Only If Split who are all very tough individuals.

Executive Flight is a classy old mare going into the Ballade for her first race from the winter layoff. She's a consistent earner with the majority of her earnings coming over the Woodbine poly or dirt, which may give us an indication of whether or not she will race in here or Sunday's Zadracarta, a turf race. Executive Flight would have only one win last season, albeit the Sweet Briar Too Stakes and hit the board with a second and three third place finishes as well, accruing over 130k in earnings. The Banach trainee would start the '08 campaign off in this race finishing third to rivals London Snow and Only If Split, so she would love to get some revenge here. The mare would have her last work in a very respectable flat minute over five furlongs on June 7th. She certainly looks ready, but the six-year-old may need this race for conditioning.

Krz Exec is sent out by Mike De Paulo for her first stint off the shelf in '09. She would only have three races last year, but she would have success winning the Ontario Damsel Stakes over the E.P. Taylor turf course. The daughter of Bold Executive may take her chances in the Zadracarta on Sunday, as it may be more to her suiting, being on the turf and also that Krz Exec would be able to avoid rivals Authenicat, Nicki Knew and Kaleidoscope Kerry, three horses that have beat her in the past. She has a nice looking record of 9-4-0-0 with earning surpassing 300k. If she stays for the Ballade, she will need a big effort to beat these foes, looking elsewhere.

Trainer John Charalambous has London Snow listed in both the Ballade and the turf stakes, the Zadracarta. It would appear by the stats that this mare would be better off here as she has not scored on the turf in a very long while. The only possible reason she might go to the Zadracarta is that she has not performed well over the polytrack at Woodbine over her last four starts, going back to 2008. In her only start this year, the Whimsical Stakes Gr. III, London Snow did not fare well finishing seventh, eight and a half lengths off the winner. She would post a dismal 67 Beyer figure, much lower than what she is capable of. She's had almost two months off and her last published work was a half-mile in 49 seconds flat. London Snow was the winner of this contest last season so don't count her out, but she will certainly need to find her form against this group.

Don MacRae's trainee Bent Attorney is the last of four fillies and mares with double entries from the Ballade and Zadracarta. She too, may want to stay here in the Ballade as she has amassed the majority of her earnings over the Woodbine poly. The Crown Attorney mare has been solid for her outfit since being claimed last year with two consecutive wins to close out '08 and two consecutive seconds to start '09, all of which would be against allowance company. She would post four straight Beyer's in the mid to high 80's in all of the last four starts. She's a good stalking mare who looks like she will be able make this move up in class with ease and readiness. Wilson aboard is an asset as the two have been a very successful duo. Keep an eye out for her, if she runs.

Mia d'Cougar is a very nice looking individual in this year's Ballade, she has talent to go short or long and has been everything trainer Tino Attard could ask for since claiming her for $25,000 last September. She has been running against allowance company and makes a move up, but so do a few others in this field, so it's not a big move. She got the win in her first time out this season on May 20th and has since come back to work five furlongs in 1:02 3/5. The daughter of D'Wildcat will have Chantal Sutherland aboard and she has been doing everything right over the last few weeks. The duo should be a threat stalking the leaders and making their move around the turn into the stretch. Chance for a cheque here.

Another returnee to he Ballade is You Will Love Me and she will be getting her first start of 2009 this Saturday. The Barnett trainee has an impressive 17-6-4-2 record with earnings of $471,992 and has the experience of stakes contests to know what she has to do to win. She will probably sit mid-pack throughout the race, looking to rally late for the wire. Being her first start of the season, she may need to get this race into her before we see her at top form, though she appears to be working well, with a half-mile breeze in :48 1/5 on June 8th. Waiting for second start.

Impossible Time is sent out by trainer Roger Attfield for her fourth race of 2009. She is a very lightly raced four-year-old with a record of 4-2-1-0 and earnings just over 80k. She would finish second behind Mia d'Cougar in her last start on May 20th in an allowance test, but should handle the move up just fine. She breezed a very nice half-mile in :47 4/5 on June 7th and will certainly be in tough against these more experienced fillies and mares, but Attfield has pulled these ones out before.

Nicki Knew will come out for Knob Hill Farm trainer Kevin Attard for her second start of the season. The four-year-old filly has posted a 12-3-2-4 record and over 340k in earnings in the bank. She can handle sprints or routes and may be using this second start of the year to ready herself for a longer race down the road. She has never posted a Beyer over 79, but she is always right there taking on foes with a lot of grit and determination. She could be tough on this day as hot jockey Tyler Pizarro takes the reins, looking to get the outfit it's first Woodbine winner in '09. Like her in a longer race.

Only If Split is getting her first start off the shelf for high win percentage trainer Lorne Richards. She was second to London Snow in the Ballade last year and is a tough mare to leave out. She did not end her '08 campaign very well and looks to bounce back in '09 against some tough company. With $348,053 in earnings and five career wins, Only If Split is a true sprinter and should benefit from the light weight of 115lbs. Justin Stein gets the call and will be the mare's sixth different rider in her last seven starts. She would work a half-mile in :50 4/5 on June 7th and though it isn't much to talk about, bettors should know that the outfit clicks at 33% on a layoff over 180 days, that's something to yak about.

Conditioner Josie Carroll sends out the very intriguing filly Authenicat. She has been an absolute treat to watch at Woodbine over the last couple years. She has accumulated over 540k and has an impressive 16-5-6-2 record lifetime. Authenicat has very good speed in the late going and can hold off her foes when needed. She finished third posting an 88 Beyer in the Grade III Hendrie Stakes, which was her second start of the year on May 10th. She will carry 122lbs, the most in the group, but that should not deter the gambling public as she will likely be the top choice in the morning line and by post time. She last worked on June 8th going a half-mile in :49 2/5. Put her in the top three for sure.

Kaleidoscope Kerry has come off her injury in '08 just fine, as she has produced a win and a second place effort in her first two starts of 2009. Trainer John Ross has his little filly making the step up from allowance company and she certainly seems ready. Both her starts this year have resulted with Beyer figures in the mid-eighties and she should certainly benefit from the light weight of 115lbs in this one. She had been carrying 123 in her last start against open company for the first time and was very impressive on the rail trying to get to foe Miss Juicy. The daughter of One Way Love has accrued just over 136k and a very good record of 7-3-1-1 in her lightly raced career. She will be tough on this day, no doubt. Don't leave her out of the mix.

Jovial Jill appears to be tailing off in her young career. She comes into the Ballade out of the claiming ranks, beaten by $20,000 claimers on May 30th by five and one-quarter lengths. She was claimed that day by new owner Shyman Farm. Her past has seen her win against allowance company and even a fourth place finish in the '08 edition of the Passing Mood Stakes, though it was not a very game effort. She will carry a light weight of 115lbs, though it doesn't look like it will make much a difference as the filly appears to be outclassed in this event. Last worked May 23rd in 1:03 4/5 over five furlongs. She doesn't look to be of any interest on this day.

My Picks: 10-4-6

Please feel free to leave your comments and picks for the 13th running of the Ballade Stakes. Read more!

Wednesday June 10th, 2009 - Bold Ruckus Stakes (An Ontario Sire Stakes), Three-Year-Olds, Six Furlongs

Unfortunately, there was no time allotted for this stakes race Wednesday night. Here are the final results: http://www.equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/WO061009CAN4.pdf Read more!

Milwaukee Appeal Romps in 54th Edition of the Woodbine Oaks (presented by Budweiser)

C.E.C. Farms home-bred filly Milwaukee Appeal would run a spectacular race in the final feature race on Sunday June 7th at Woodbine Racetrack capturing the Woodbine Oaks Stakes (presented by Budweiser).

The 54th running of the Woodbine Oaks was a much anticipated event for Canadian thoroughbred race fans as a field of thirteen fillies would go around the Toronto oval over a distance of a mile and one-eighth, vying for the $500,000 purse. Trainer Scott Fairlie would pick up his first Oaks victory as his filly Milwaukee Appeal would win the event by three and three-quarter lengths.

The race would start out great for Milwaukee Appeal, breaking smoothly and going to the front of the pack, while second place finisher Tasty Temptation would miss the break and play catch-up the majority of the race. Koonunga Hill would take the lead from Milwaukee Appeal before the first turn and set the pace going down the backstretch, going a half-mile in forty-eight and change and taking a two and a half length lead on Milwaukee Appeal, who was followed by maiden Indigo North and behind her First Circle and Politelyprecocious, with Miss Blakely coming up between them. In the meantime, Tasty Temptation was making up ground the whole way starting an early run for the leaders, using up vital energy early on. By the top of the second turn Koonunga Hill would begin to fade to Milwaukee Appeal and Tasty Temptation, who came out of the clouds and they would pass her and come into the home-stretch with the Fairlie trainee taking a short lead on Tasty Temptation . Rider Stewart Elliott would have much more left in his filly though and gave her some left-handed encouragement to run on and she would do just that, kicking away from Mark Cassie's Tasty Temptation by over three lengths to pick up her $300,000 share of the purse. Finishing third was ship-in Miss Blakely nosing out the other southern invader, Wynning Ride both back a fair margin of Tasty Temptation.

For full results to the 54th edition of the Woodbine Oaks Stakes (presented by Budweiser) click here: http://www.equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/WO060709CAN9.pdf Read more!

Woodsmoke Noses Out Ship-In Pull Dancer in Alywow Stakes

The second feature race on Sunday June 7th at Woodbine had an exhilarating finish with Mike Keogh trainee Woodsmoke edging out a driving Pull Dancer at the wire to take the $100,000, six and a half furlong event over the E.P. Taylor turf course.

On a day threatened with rain by an overcast sky, Mike Keogh's fleet footed filly Woodsmoke would capture her third victory of the '09 campaign in the Alywow Stakes. It would be the filly's first try on the grass and resulted in an exciting finish as ship-in Pull Dancer, trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, rallied and just missed at the wire for a win-photo result.

The break from the gate would see Essence of Silver on top, only to be short lived as Woodsmoke would use her early speed to get away from the field. The daughter of Langfuhr would set the fractions throughout the race, running the first quarter in :23.17 and taking a four length lead into the turn. Young journeyman Tyler Pizarro and Woodsmoke come out of the turn into the home stretch with what looked a comfortable lead. The E.P. Taylor turf course has a very long home stretch though and Woodsmoke would have the field chasing her down putting on some serious pressure. Woodsmoke was roughly five-wide off the rail leaving room for a rallying group of fillies including ship-in Pull Dancer, who came in between Fleet Streak and the fence to challenge Pizarro and the Fury Stakes winner. It would come right down to the wire, with a win photo going to Woodsmoke, who held on courageously in a final time of 1:15.44.

For full results to the 8th running of the Alywow Stakes click here: http://www.equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/WO060709CAN6.pdf Read more!

Awesome Rhythm Wins Easily in VIctoria Park

Sunday June 7th at Woodbine Racetrack had three feature races, starting with the 23rd running of the Victoria Park Stakes. Conditioner John Ross' Awesome Rhythm was the morning-line favorite at 4/5 and would win with ease by open lengths in the $150,000 contest.

The Sunday card was packed with racing excitement and though the Victoria Park Stakes had a small field of four, due to the scratch of Kennisis River, the fans could still appreciate a fantastic show of athleticism by Kentucky-bred Awesome Rhythm. After the break from the gate, Counter Move would get in front to set the pace, followed by Life Goes On and settling in third Awesome Rhythm. The opening quarter was very relaxed in :25.16 and would see Life Goes On come closer to Counter Move, challenging for the lead out of the first turn. By the half-mile marker Life Goes On would have a small lead, while Awesome Rhythm would come off the rail, keeping up with his two front-running rivals. Around the second turn Counter Move would begin to fade while Jimmy McAleney and Awesome Rhythm challenged Life Goes On and would easily go by him on the outside, coming out of the turn, into the home stretch on top by a couple lengths. The duo would then open up a massive lead on the small field, handily winning by eight and a half lengths, capturing their third stakes race in a row. The final time of the mile and one-eighth victory was 1:51.12.

For complete results to the 23rd running of the Victoria Park Stakes click here: http://www.equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/WO060709CAN3.pdf Read more!

Ice Bear Claws Way to WIre in Eclipse Stakes

The 54th running of the Grade III Eclipse Stakes came to an enthralling end as Mac Benson trainee, Ice Bear, and rider Chantal Sutherland would eke out a neck victory in the one mile and one-sixteenth, $150,000 event.

The second feature race on the Saturday card at Woodbine Racetrack would see a fantastic finish to the wire, as Ice Bear, the 2-1 post time favorite would get by on the inside rail, driving to victory. The race started off with 40-1 shot Judith's Wild Rush dictating the pace, taking a lenghty lead on the rest of the field. As the old horse would continue to set fractions on the front end, Ice Bear would sit back of Approval Rating and Equitable in fourth positioin, roughly six lengths off the pace, down the backstertch. As Sutherland waited for the right moment, Approval Rating began making his run at Judith's Wild Rush around the half-mile pole. Around the final turn Judith's Wild rush would be swallowed up by the field, leaving Approval Rating in the lead with Equitable a close second and Ice Bear making his bid in third, all the while Marchfield started making a run for the front runners way of the pace, second to last. At the top of the stretch Ice Bear would be dropped in on the rail by Sutherland, hard ridden chasing down Approval Rating and at the same time Marchfield had come wide around the field into contention looking to pass all his rivals down the home stretch. Approval Rating would grudgingly give way at the sixteenth-pole to Ice Bear on his inside and watch Marchfield come up on his right on the outside as all three would come to the wire roughly a length apart. Ice Bear would get to the wire a neck in front of the surging Marchfield while Approval Rating would finish third one and a quarter-lengths back. Ice Bear would win in a final time of 1:43.38, capturing the sixty-percent share.

Rider Chantal Sutherland is quick to give credit to trainer Mac Benson and her horse, "Mac just said ride how it comes out, which is really cool. He(Ice Bear) settled really nice for me into the backside and around the three-eighths pole, I saw Eurico position himself outside, so the race kinda opened up for me with a hole on the inside, so I went inside and I could see that Garcia was tailing off leaving a little hole that I had to get through. Ice Bear was totally geared up and whatever I wanted he gave me. He went through on the rail with a great turn of foot, he has a ton of pump and so much heart, honestly he's just a privilege to ride and it's an honor to ride for Mac."

For full results to the 54th running of the Grade III Eclipse Stakes click here: http://www.equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/WO060609CAN8.pdf
Read more!

Michael's Bad Boy Looks Good in Steady Growth Stakes

Saturday June 6th at Woodbine Racetrack would see an impressive effort by Nick Gonzalez trained Michael's Bad Boy, as he would wire the small field of five horses in the $125,000 event.

Race four on a beautiful Saturday afternoon at Woodbine, brought fans a glimpse of perfection, as Michael's Bad Boy would make easy work of his competitors in the mile and one-sixteenth Steady Growth Stakes. Right from the get-go the Gonzalez trainee, with jockey Eurico Da Silva aboard, took to the lead and set a reserved pace. After a first quarter in :24.10 Michael's Bad Boy would let the post time favorite, Dancer's Bajan, creep up on his outside along the backstretch, but once the son of Wonneberg saw his rival, he and Da Silva would begin to start running after the half-mile pole and try to distance themselves from Dancer's Bajan and Somarvelous and Yummy With Butter, who were just off the pace. By the top of the second turn, Da Silva would have his horse in a comfortable lead under a hand ride, while Husbands, aboard Dancer's Bajan, would begin to make his bid about mid-turn. It would be all for not, as Michael's Bad Boy would come to the head of the stretch in front by roughly three lengths and it was a couple of taps at the eighth-pole by Da Silva and he and his "Bad Boy" were gone, winning the 13th running of the Steady Growth by five and a half lengths in a final time of 1:43.53. Dancer's Bajan would relinquish his hold of second down the stretch to a hard ridden Yummy With Butter, only to regain the place position, nosing out his foe just before the wire.

Da Silva would reflect on the easy win, "This horse was relaxed and, with him, you can stalk or go to the lead. He went so easy on the lead and when I asked him he just continued running a beautiful race. This horse is in great shape."

For full results to the 13th running of the Steady Growth Stakes click here: http://www.equibase.com/static/chart/pdf/WO060609CAN4.pdf Read more!

Sunday June 7th - Woodbine Oaks Stakes, Scale Weight, Three-Year-Old Fillies, Foaled in Canada, One Mile & One Eighth

History Lesson: The first leg of the Canadian Triple Tiara was inaugurated into Canadian thoroughbred racing in 1956 at a distance of one mile and one-sixteenth and later lengthened to one mile and one-eighth in 1959. It was originally called the Canadian Oaks but was changed to the Woodbine Oaks in 2001. The race has many incredible records with eight wins by Hall of Fame jockey Sandy Hawley, five wins by trainer Jim Day and seven wins by owners Sam-Son Farm. In 1982 Avowal would get away from her foes to win the contest by a margin of thirteen lengths, a record that still stands today. However, the fastest current time in the Oaks was set by Square Angel in 1973 in a time of 1:48 4/5.

Woodbine Oaks Stakes, 2009: What a nice big field of fillies we have here. With fourteen runners going out in the 56th edition of the Canadian Classic, there is a good mix of elite runners and well-bred maidens that may be peaking a the right time. We can expect an overload of excitement watching the likes of Tasty Temptation, Milwaukee Appeal, Gore Bay, and ship-ins Wynning Ride, Academicienne, and Miss Blakely all vie for the $500,000 purse.

Here is a look at the field by post position:

1 Indigo North by Grand Slam out of Turned On (Kris S.) Own: Chiefswood Stables, Trainer: Eric Coatrieaux, Jockey: Tyler Pizarro

2 Politelyprecocious by Langfuhr out of Stop Looking (Dr. Adagio) Own: Gustav Schickendanz, Trainer: Michael Keogh, Jockey: Constant Montpellier

3 Secret Wish by Street Cry (Ire) out of Awesome Lass (Awesome Again) Own: Cudney Stables, Trainer: James Day, Jockey: Justin Stein

4 Milwaukee Appeal by Milwaukee Brew out of Appealing Forum (Open Forum) Own: C.E.C. Farms, Trainer: Scott Fairlie, Jockey: Stewart Elliot

5 Soul of Nataka by Perfect Soul (Ire) out of Nataka (With Approval) Own: Charles E. Fipke, Trainer: Roger Attfield, Jockey: Richard Dos Ramos

6 First Circle by Langfuhr out of Marienburg (Conquistador Cielo) Own: Gustav Schickedanz, Trainer: Michael Keogh, Jockey: Jono Jones

7 Wynning Ride by Candy Ride (Arg) out of Wynyard (Mr. Greely) Own: Arnold Zetcher, Trainer: Bob Baffert, Jockey: Joseph Talamo

8 Koonunga Hill by Wonneberg out of Easy to Praise (Alwuhush) Own: Empress Stable, Trainer: Steve Owens, Jockey: Emma-Jayne Wilson

9 High Mist by Olmodavor out of High Humidity (Petionville) Own: N.C. Stables, Wendy Anderson, B. Weisbord, Trainer: Reade Baker, Jockey: James McAleney

10 Gore Bay by Dynaformer out of Eclipse Bay (Hennessy) Own: Chiefswood Stable, Trainer: Eric Coatrieaux, Jockey: Chantal Sutherland

11 Double Malt by Whiskey Wisdom out of Matching Sox (Tale of the Cat) Own: M. Ambler and Partners, Trainer: Malcolm Pierce, Jockey: Eurico Rosa Da Silva

12 Academicienne by Royal Academy out of Merida (GB) (Warning (GB)) Own: NYKY Thoroughbred Stable, Trainer: Kiaran McLaughlin, Jockey: Alan Garcia

13 Tasty Temptation by Medaglia D'oro out of Parisia (Tethra) Own: Woodford Racing LLC, Trainer: Mark Casse, Jockey: Patrick Husbands

14 Miss Blakely by Smart Strike out of A Bit Special (GB) (Rahy) Own: Capitol Hill Thoroughbreds and Team Five Star Stable, Trainer: Joseph Oreseno, Jockey: Eibar Coa

The Skinny: With this many fillies in the field, anything can happen. Maidens have a shot just the same as some of the more prolific fillies in here. There will be lots of early movement for position and we should see a great race from start to finish as this group looks even better than that of the up coming Queen's Plate contenders. Get yourself a nice spot on the rail for this one. Lets analyze in order of the post positions.

Indigo North is a very well-bred filly and comes into the Oaks as a maiden. She has two career starts, both in '09 with each resulting in fourth place finishes against maiden allowance company, at a distance of a mile and a sixteenth in both races. She's a home-bred for the Chiefswood outfit and they would love nothing more than to see their girl peak just in time for this big event. She hasn't posted anything special going by the Beyers in either of her two starts and will look to improve. She should try to break her maiden elsewhere.

Politelyprecocious is one of two fillies sent out in this one by trainer Mike Keogh and Gus Schickedanz. She gets her fourth start off the shelf here and will look to improve off her last start in the La Lorgnette Stakes on May 17th, where she would finish over six lengths back of the winner in seventh. That race would be her first two-turn event of the '09 campaign and may have been a good conditioner for her. She has a lifetime record of 6-1-0-2 with earnings over 60k. The Keogh trainee has shown some closing speed in the late going in her first two starts this year and will likely get back to form in this one, looking to improve on her last two Beyers in the low eighties. Like to see her in an easier spot.

Jim Day looks to add to his Oaks totals as he sends out his student Secret Wish. The daughter of Street Cry broke her maiden as a two-year-old against allowance company of non-winners of one, other than, doing so at a mile and a sixteenth. She has three starts in '09 with a third place finish in her last start in an allowance race on May 18th. She hasn't quite the Beyer figures (76 high) to match many of the fillies in here and appears to be in way over her head, but, anything can happen. Record of 6-1-0-2 and earnings of just over 55k for this longshot.

Milwaukee Appeal comes into the Oaks as a Woodbine fan favorite, as she has been very productive thus far in 2009. She would win the Star Shoot Stakes in her first start this year and finish third in the La Lorgnette behind Oaks foe Tasty Temptation and G1 winner Hooh Why, who eventually was victorious. In the La Lorgnette, Milwaukee Appeal would post her best lifetime Beyer with a 91 and will come into the Oaks for her third start of the season, which should see her very fit and ready to go. She has earned $296,511 and amassed a record of 8-4-1-2, she'll be a major player, though not sure of the jockey change to Elliot.

Roger Attfield sends out maiden Soul of Nataka. She comes into this one off a second place finish in a maiden allowance event, losing to Oaks foe Gore Bay. She appears to like two-turns but hasn't quite got the job done. One positive note is that she has thrown her best Beyer figure of 77 at this distance of a mile and an eighth. Not sure if Roger will be looking at his fourth Oaks win as Soul of Nataka will have to come up big just to pick up a cheque. Likely to see her get her first win in another spot.

First Circle is the second of two Keogh trainees and will go into this event for her first two-turn race. She broke her maiden in her first career start on May 8th over seven furlongs on the Woodbine poly. Her last start would be a second place effort to Alywow entry Gigolette. In both races First Circle would post Beyers in the mid-seventies and Keogh appears to really have her ready after an honest work over three-quarters of a mile in 1:14 4/5 on June 1st. This will be the first stakes contest for the Langfuhr filly who has a record of 2-1-1-0 and earnings just over 30k. Could be an expensive lesson for this girl, looking elsewhere.

Trainer Bob Baffert sends out a very interesting individual who has been racing in California since last season. Wynning Ride has earnings of $129,700 and a record of 4-1-2-0, which the only win comes against maidens, but she has a very game second place effort in the mile and a sixteenth, G1 Hollywood Starlet to a very tough competitor in Laragh. This is a good indication of what this filly brings to the table. In her first start of '09 Wynning Ride finished second again, posting an 83 Beyer in an optional-claiming event at Hollywood Park. She will have a very talented jock in Joe Talamo, who has ridden the filly in each of her four career starts. Have to have respect for Baffert's girl here, don't leave her out of the mix.

Koonunga Hill is a very gritty individual who gives her all every time out. She has a record of 9-2-3-2 and over 200k in earnings. However, the Empress Stables home-bred has not had a two-turn race in any of those starts. She has raced at a mile, as a two-year-old, over the E.P. Taylor turf course in the Grade III Natalma Stakes finishing third out by a length to the winner. The Oaks will be her third start off the shelf in '09 and if she scoped well out of her last start, she could be tough. The distance may be questionable, but she is a very determined filly and she won't quite. Just watching.

High Mist is a gamer and a very surprisingly, tough filly at such a small stature. She has amassed earnings of $179,503 and has three wins in six career starts. Her downside is that she hasn't fared well at two-turns. In her only race going long, High Mist would finish eighteen lengths out in her last contest of the '08 season, the Princess Elizabeth Stakes. She was very good in her last start, the Fury Stakes, chasing down after the winner to the wire just a couple lengths off finishing second. Baker seems confident enough with a choice of going into the Alywow, earlier in the card and at a shorter distance. She worked a decent 1:01. 4/5 over five furlongs on May 31st and should be quite sharp with over a month since her last start. Outside chance.

Chiefswood Stable's second entry into the Oaks is Gore Bay. The daughter of Dynaformer has three starts in her career, all in '09, and has just broke her maiden in her last start on May 13th in a mile and a sixteenth maiden allowance. She is not the first choice of the outfit, but has proven to be the first to peak with that win. If she gets the right look she could certainly rally off the pace to get up for the win. She's an outsider, but she may have peaked at the right time. Sutherland aboard is encouraging, like her chances.

Double Malt comes into the Oaks after a fifth place finish in the mile and one-sixteenth La Lorgnette stakes. She would have a late rally there to pick up a cheque and may like the extra distance here. She has an 8-2-0-2 record with career earnings of just under 120k. The Pierce outfit is having a great season and this could be the perfect time for Double Malt to exact revenge on rivals Tasty Temptation and Milwaukee Appeal from the La Lorgnette. She posted her best Beyer on that day with an impressive 86. Watch for her to come from way out of it.

Kiaran McLaughlin has taken over training duties for the Canadian-bred, french ship-in Academicienne. The daughter of Royal Academy has raced five career races, all on the turf and has accrued three wins and $51,833 in the bank. She has posted decent speed figures in France with an 85 in her last start, but she has never raced over a mile before. Alan Garcia is up and that can be looked upon as a positive for this horse, as he has won here once already this season with another ship-in, Rutherienne. Other than that, this may be a long trip to find out that she doesn't like the Woodbine poly.

Tasty Temptation will be a very tough competitor in the Oaks. The Casse trainee is coming off a very game second place effort in the La Lorgnette Stakes just running out of room to Grade I Ashland Stakes winner Hooh Why. She would post a 94 Beyer that day, besting her previous high of 79. She will love the extra distance of the Oaks and has Woodbine's top jock Patrick Husbands up. Casse will look to capture his third Oaks in four years, so he knows what it takes and is very 'high' on this filly. She has a record of 7-1-2-1 and earnings of just over 80k and appears to be peaking just in time for the Canadian Classic. She should take a lot of money at the windows, DO NOT LEAVE HER OUT!!!

Miss Blakely ships in from Gulfstream Park for conditioner Joe Orseno. She has three lifetime wins and just over 60k in her account. This will be her fifth start of the season after posting a very credible 88 Beyer in her last event in the Boynton Beach Stakes at Gulfstream. Miss Blakely is a turfer and has never raced over polytrack, which should be noted as a con. She will have veteran rider Eibar Coa aboard, that's a pro. She could be an outside chance on this day, but looking elsewhere.

My Picks: 13-7-10

Please feel free to leave your comments and picks for the 54th running of the Woodbine Oaks Stakes. Read more!

Sunday June 7th, 2009 - Alywow Stakes, Three-Year-Old Fillies, Six & One-Half Furlongs

History Lesson: The Alywow Stakes is an overnight stakes event that is run in honor of the Champion Three-Year-Old Filly, Champion Turf Horse, and Champion Horse of the Year in Canada in 1994. Alywow was euthanized in 2002, the same year of the race's inaugural running which was won by Lush Soldier. The race is run at Woodbine Racetrack over the E.P. Taylor Turf Course at a distance of six and one-half furlongs. The record time was set in 2008 by Passion in a time of 1:14.39.

Alywow Stakes, 2009: Normally an overnight stakes event is not covered by T.T.T.I., however, this race is an exception as it is run on Woodbine Oaks day and has a very nice field of fillies such as '09 Fury Stakes winner Woodsmoke and ship-ins Fleet Streak and Pull Dancer. The field of nine three-year-old fillies should to the excitement on Oaks day at Woodbine.

Here is a look at the field by post position:

1 Fleet Streak by More Than Ready out of Falconese (Imperial Falcon) Own: Elite Racing Company, Trainer: David Carroll, Jockey: Emma-Jayne Wilson

2 After the Applause by Lost Soldier out of Cades Cove (Kayrawan) Own: Tucci Stables, Trainer: Nick Gonzalez, Jockey: Eurico Rosa Da Silva

3 Gigolette by Northern Afleet out of Twochindordor (Vice Regent) Own: R.F. and J.E. Shaw, Trainer: David Bell, Jockey: Chantal Sutherland

4 Woodsmoke by Langfuhr out of Forest Flute (Woodman) Own: Gustav Schickendanz, Trainer: Michael Keogh, Jockey: Tyler Pizarro

5 Essence of Silver by Essence of Dubai out of Never Been Kissed (Silver Deputy) Own: Norseman Racing Stable, Trainer: John Mattine, Jockey: Gerry Olguin

6 Retraceable by Medaglia D'oro out of Embraceable (Dehere) Own: Quintessential Racing and Richard and Patricia Lenhian, Trainer: Mark Casse, Jockey: Patrick Husbands

7 Pull Dancer by Pulpit out of Mayhavebeentheone (Arch) Own: Cam Allard, Trainer: Kiaran McLaughlin, Jockey: Alan Garcia

8 Elision by Elustre Quality out of Alternate (Seattle Slew) Own: Pin Oak Stable, Jockey: James McAleney

9 Mommie Whiz by City Zip out of Sneak Out (Belong to Me) Own: Whizway Farm, Trainer: Steven Asmussen, Jockey: Luis Contreras

The Skinny: It's been said before that these overnight events are like glorified allowance races, but, this race is still intriguing to the horse fan and the gambler with a favorite in Woodsmoke and the fact that every other filly in here looks to have a legitimate chance at taking the wire.

Woodsmoke should be the favorite in the morning-line and even by post time. She is a true sprinter with early and lasting speed throughout. She is two for three lifetime; throw her last start out as it was more of an experimental race going two-turns. This daughter of Langfuhr broke her maiden at this distance in her first career race, coming from behind, only to become a front end speedster in her second start and win in the Fury Stakes on May 3rd over the Woodbine poly. This will be her first try on the grass and she looks as though she will handle the surface as far as breeding goes. Pizarro knows this horse well enough that she will go to the lead and pretty much try to wire the field. The outfit is clicking at 21% this season at Woodbine and looks very good on this day with Woodsmoke. Have to take her on top of the rest.

Fleet Streak is an invader from the south, sent out by conditioner David Carroll. She was unraced as a two-year-old and has started her career off racing out of the Fairgrounds and Churchill Downs. She is 3-1-1-0 with earnings of just over 38k and all three of her races have come over the turf. She has posted decent Beyers in the low-eighties in her last two starts and should look to improve here on this day. Her last work would be at Churchill over the main track going four furlongs in :50. flat. She has been off for a little over a month so she should be very sharp and may very well come from off the pace with her bid to the wire.

Jockey Alan Garcia comes back to Woodbine for his second go this season aboard ship-in Pull Dancer. This chestnut filly has moved around a bit since starting her career as a two-year-old racing at tracks in the east like Belmont, Keenland, Gulfstream and Aqueduct. She is 6-2-1-0 lifetime with $73,965 in her account thus far and she would post her best Beyer of 89 in her last start over the Belmont turf course in a six furlong allowance event on April 29th. The McLaughlin student looks like she will be off the leaders a bit before making her bid for home. Good shot here.

Mommie Whiz has been an absolute money maker for trainer Steve Asmussen since she's been a two-year-old. Even as a maiden she would pick up cheques with six top-five finishes. She would break her maiden, while wintering at the Fairgrounds, on March 1st, 2009 over the turf and then came to Woodbine for the start of the '09 season where she is 3-1-2-0 with the win coming over the E.P. Taylor turf course at six and a half furlongs. Mommie Whiz has posted Beyers in the eighties over her last three starts, all at Woodbine, and should be very tough on this day though she comes from the outside post. Can expect her to be in contention throughout the race. Don't leave her out.

Elision is sent out by trainer Malcolm Pierce and, like foe Mommie Whiz, has done nothing but make money. She has a record of 6-1-3-2 and earnings over 70k all of which would come over the grass. She would come up short of rival Mommie Whiz in her last start May 22nd, as she would run into some traffic in the homestretch. She appears to come from off the pace with late energy for the final push to the wire. Should be a factor late.

Gigolette will get her fourth start of the '09 campaign and will look to continue to impress in her first career turf race. Conditioner Dave Bell has had success in first time starters on the sod with an 11% in 9 tries. Gigolette gets Chantal Sutherland aboard again and she is on a hot streak as of late. Together the duo have amassed a 4-2-1-0 record with earnings of $74,250. In their last start the would stay just off the front runners only to drive clear of their rivals in the final eighth of a mile picking up the win in the allowance event. Gigolette did not fair well in her first stakes try in the Fury finishing over ten lengths back of the eventual winner and rival here, Woodsmoke. In tough on this day, but, you never can tell with firsters on the grass.

John Mattine takes over duties, after the passing of his father and Woodbine great Tony Mattine, for Essence of Silver. She has accrued over 100k with a record of 7-2-2-1. This will be the filly's third start from the layoff this season and follows up a win against allowance company on May 9th, where she would best foe After the Applause in the six furlong event. This filly is one for one over the grass when she would break her maiden as a two-year-old in '08. Essence of Silver will get her third jock in as many starts here, as the mid-pack runner makes her first jump up into stakes company. She has yet to post a Beyer over 69 this season or over her last five starts for that matter. Looking elsewhere.

After the Applause will come into the Alywow for her second start of '09. She has had minimal success in stakes as a two-year-old with a second place finish in the Ontario Debutante and a game fourth in the Grade III Natalma over a soft E.P. Taylor turf course. She would finish second in her first start this year against allowance company losing to rival Essence of Silver and posting a mediocre 66 Beyer. She will need to improve drastically for conditioner Nick Gonzalez; who is having an exceptional 2009 at Woodbine, to get herself into the money here. She may stay up with other front runners in the early going, but may not have enough late against these foes.

Retraceable is making her '09 debut for trainer Mark Casse. She is a remarkable individual who would have a very good '08 campaign amassing a 5-2-2-0 record with earnings of over 200k. She will take a lot of money on the board on this day, most likely second choice to Woodsmoke. Though the outfit reeks of success, Casse does not click very well with firsters on the turf as Retraceable will give the E.P. Taylor course her first go. This may deter some gamblers from keeping her in the mix, but you can never count a Casse horse out, especially with the year rider Patrick Husbands is having. Keep your eye on this little lady.

My Picks: 4-7-9

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Sunday June 7th, 2009 - Victoria Park Stakes, Three-Year-Olds, One Mile & One-Eighth

History Lesson: The inaugural running of the Victoria Park Stakes would take place in 1988 at Woodbine Racetrack. Used as a final prep for the Queen's Plate, though it is eligible to open company, and run at a distance of a mile and one-eighth. Most wins for a trainer in this race is held by Hall of Famer Roger Attfield with four, while Dave Penna and Todd Kabel are tied with most wins for a jockey at three apiece. The fasted current time in the Victoria Park is 1:49.80 set by Jail Breaker back in 1997. Only one winner of this race has gone on to win the Queen's Plate, that being Regal Intention in the race year of inception.

Victoria Park Stakes, 2009: The 23rd edition of this race brings fans five runners vying for the $150,000 purse. With a small field to watch, it will be hard to miss two-time stakes winner in '09 Awesome Rhythm and Californian ship-in Life Goes On. Can Awesome Rhythm keep it in motion with his third straight victory?

Here is a look at the field by post position:

1 Awesome Rhythm by Toccet out of Galoshes (Storm Boot) Own: Domenic Truimbari, Trainer: John Ross, Jockey: James McAleney

2 Counter Move by Vindication out of Swingin On Ice (El Prado (Ire)) Own: Don Amos, Trainer: Daniel J. Vella, Jockey: Robert Landry

3 Life Goes On by Vindication out of Limelighter (Seeking the Gold) Own: Fog City Stable and Hill 'n' Dale Equine Holdings Inc., Trainer: Josie Carroll, Jockey: Patrick Husbands

4 Mensch by Compadre out of Edirne (Regal Classic) Own: Fieldstone Farms Inc., Trainer: Analisa Delmas, Jockey: Slade Callaghan

5 Kennisis River by Alphabet Soup out of Tone Change (Southern Halo) Own: California Stables, Trainer: Daniel J. Vella, Jockey: Tyler Pizarro

The Skinny: Well everyone picks up a cheque in this edition of the Victoria Park. It appears to be Awesome Rhythm's race to lose, going into this race winning two in a row. Not much of a gamblers race.

Awesome Rhythm is going for his third straight win in a stakes event. He shouldn't have any problems on this day, as he drove by his competitors mid-stretch in his last two races with ease. The extra room may give us a look at how good he really is. He's got Jimmy "Mac" up again and had a good work on June 1st going four furlongs in :47.2/5. This guy's your clear-cut favorite on this day, look for another to pair him in your exactor.

Danny Vella is looking forward to two cheques in this one, starting with Counter Move who has one race at Woodbine lifetime in an optional-claiming event, where he would finish sixth five lengths back of the winner. The son of Vindication will certainly look to get back to the winner's circle after his first race of the '09 campaign resulted in a victory. He is two for four lifetime with earnings just under 50k and this will be his first two-turn race. Well he's gonna get over the 50k mark on this day, but not a top choice here.

The other Vella trainee is Kennisis River, a claim back in '08 for $50,000, who is coming into this for his second start off the shelf. He won first time out going seven-eighths of a mile on May 10th against allowance company. As a two-year-old this horse did not fare well at two-turns over the Woodbine poly, but, he is older and matured a bit, so don't count him out. 6-3-0-1 and just over 80k lifetime.

Life Goes On ships-in from California where he would break his maiden in his fourth start of the season on March 19th. He has since come back to finish third in a optional-claiming event at Hollywood Park. He has three published works over the Woodbine poly in May, with the latest going five furlongs in 1:01 and four-fifths. He is 7-1-3-1 with earnings just over 60k and he has posted the best Beyer figures out of the field. He should like the distance and be contending for the wire with Awesome Rhythm.

Mensch is sent out by trainer Analisa Delmas, who has to consider the field of five to be very fortunate on her side. Her horse picks up a cheque and doesn't have to run even respectably to do it. He's a maiden and has shown no signs this year, in four starts, that he can compete with this field. Do not like his chances whatsoever, good luck goes out to connections.

My Picks: 1-3-5

Please feel free to leave your comments and picks for this 23rd running of the Victoria Park Stakes.

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June 6th, 2009 - Eclipse Stakes Gr. III, Four-Year-Olds & Upward, One Mile & One-Sixteenth

History Lesson: The inaugural running of the Eclipse was at Greenwood Raceway in 1956 and was eventually run at Woodbine in 1967 until present day. The race has seen various distances over its tenure in Canadian thoroughbred racing, ranging from one mile to a mile and three-sixteenths. The current race record time was set by Ambassador B. in 1977, at 1:42.40. There are two horses that have won this race twice, going back-to-back, being Royal Chocolate ('74,'75) and Frost King ('82,'83). Hall of Fame jockey Robin Platts has won the Eclipse a record seven times and fellow Hall of Famer Gil Rowntree owns most wins by a trainer in the Eclipse with six.

Eclipse Stakes Gr. III, 2009: The eighth race on the Saturday card at Woodbine offers up a slew of accomplished horses. However, 2009 has not been this field's year, with only one winner in the group of nine (Approval Rating). There are some ship-ins, Equitable and Independent George, looking to get their share of the $150,000 purse and the rest of the field have been past winners over the Toronto oval. It's looking wide open this season as it appears there is no clear-cut favorite.

Here is a look at the field by post position:

1 Mike Fox by Giant's Causeway out of Alexis (Ire) (Alzao) Own: Firestone Farms Ltd., Trainer: Bruce Smither, Jockey: Emma-Jayne Wilson

2 Marchfield by A.P. Indy out of Pico Teneriffe (Red Ransom) Own: Melnyk Racing Stables Inc., Trainer: Mark Casse, Jockey: Patrick Husbands

3 Equitable by A.P. Indy out of Equilibrate (Gone West) Own: Pin Oak Stable, Trainer: Malcolm Pierce, Jockey: Eurico Rosa Da Silva

4 Approval Rating by Lemon Drop Kid by Classic Approval (With Approval) Own: Peter Redekop B.C. Ltd., Trainer: Terry Jordan, Jockey: James McAleney

5 Ice Bear by Maria's Mon out of Bristol Pistol (Regal Classic) Own: Augustin Stable, Trainer: MacDonald Benson, Jockey: Chantal Sutherland

6 Independent George by Cozzene out of Daylight Ridge (Dayjur) Own: Bushwood Stables, Trainer: Graham Motion, Jockey: Kendrick Carmouche

7 Artie Hot by Black Minnaloushe out of Dyrco (Sandpit (Brz)) Own: Tucci Stables, Trainer: Nick Gonzalez, Jockey: Tyler Pizarro

8 Judith's Wild Rush by Wild Rush out of Tie Talk (Black Tie Affair) Own: Tenenbaum Racing Stables, Trainer: Gerald Seymour, Jockey: David Garcia

9 Cool Gator by Macho Uno out of It's a Ruby (Rubiano) Own: Hillsbrook Farms, Trainer: Ian Black, Jockey: Emile Ramsammy

The Skinny: The Eclipse is full of competitive horses that just haven't got it goin' so far in 2009. With the exception of non-starter Artie Hot and '09 race winner Approval Rating, the field is looking to get back to form for this Grade III event. There are some tough horses going on to the track and even tougher to handicap for this one. Good luck!

Approval Rating is sent out by high win percentage trainer Terry Jordan. He has one start off the shelf this year against optional-claiming allowance company, where he would get the win. That first race was used as a conditioner at six and a half furlongs and now Approval Rating gets back to his usual two turns. He is a lightly raced five-year-old (two starts '08) with a record of 12-4-1-2 and earnings of $234,451. He's the only winner in '09 in this field and looks like he'll thrive on this day, though it is uncertain if he will use his early speed or try to stalk the leaders. Can't leave him out, good connections.

Artie Hot will start for his first time in 2009 for conditioner Nick Gonzalez. He is a classy individual and was last year's Seagram Cup Gr.III winner going a mile and a sixteenth. He posts good Beyers ranging in the high eighties and low nineties consistently through his career, with a 30-5-3-4 record and over 300k in the bank. Up against rivals Mike Fox, Marchfield and Ice Bear again and has had some success, but would really have to be sharp on this day to beat them being unraced. New rider aboard this time out in Pizarro; he's been doing very well this season and can only help. May need this race to get conditioned.

Mike Fox has not been the same horse since his winning ways in '07. The horse had one win in '08 against allowance company where he beat rival Artie Hot. In his first start from the layoff, Mike Fox was not a factor in his sixth place finish in the Connaught Cup, back over ten lengths to the winner. A positive on this day is the light 115lbs he will carry, though it didn't help in the Connaught Cup over the turf. He's a proven router and if by some miracle gets back to form, he will be a contender, though it is highly unlikely on this day. Note jockey Wilson is with him and not Artie Hot, sentimental?

Marchfield is a very tough horse here at the Toronto oval. With a record of 9-3-5-0 at Woodbine and earnings of $306,684 Marchfield will come into this as a fan favorite and take some support on the tote board, though he has not started of this season's campaign with any success. The Eclipse will be his third start off the shelf for trainer Mark Casse and you can bet he'll be fit and ready since his last start in February, as his last work would suggest, going five furlongs in 1:00 4/5ths. Marchfield could take positives out of his first two starts at Santa Anita in the fact that his Beyer figures weren't too shabby at 87 and 94 respectively. Like him back at the 'Bine, great shot.

21-6-4-1 and over 500k in earnings, is what Ice Bear brings to this show. He has had success on both turf and polytrack and will certainly be a factor in the Eclipse. Mac Benson's trainee will make his second start this season after a fourth place effort in the Connaught Cup Gr.III. He had a rail trip with little or no late kick for Sutherland, but, he should improve here, being his second start. Worked June 2nd, four fulongs in :47 and two-fifths. He has not missed a cheque in his last six starts. Ice Bear does have early speed and may try to get up with the leaders from the gate, he'll need the late kick this time around. Looks to be in a good spot, Sutherland has been on in '09, like his chances.

Cool Gator is back at Woodbine again with his second start here in '09. The Macho Uno colt had been racing in Florida at Gulfstream since last year, where he would unfortunately cut his '08 season short, due to injury, after running fifth out of five in the Florida Derby Gr.I. Cool Gator has five races under his belt this year, but, has yet to get to the winner's circle, in fact he has only one lifetime win, when he broke his maiden here in Toronto in May of 2007. His first Woodbine start of 2009 may have sparked something in the colt as he would finish second against allowance company, posting an 81 Beyer. Sutherland drops him to take Ice Bear, but veteran Ramsammy can help bring this horse back to a credible racer here. Tough spot for this guy, looking elsewhere.

Equitable is a lightly raced five-year-old with a record of 12-3-2-2 and earnings of $248,126 and comes to Malcolm Pierce for his first career start at Woodbine for owners Pin Oak Stable. The son of A.P. Indy has only one stakes event in his resume, a second place finish albeit, but has had decent Beyer figures throughout his races, ranging into the nineties six times in all. This contest will be Equitable's fourth start of 2009 and first start since April 11th at Keenland. He has five published works over the Woodbine poly including a five furlong 1:01 and a fifth, May 30th. This guy looks to have stalking capability, big test on this day, outsider.

Independent George makes his return to Woodbine since last season's Nijinsky Stakes Gr.II, where he would finish five lengths of the winner in fifth position. Trainer Graham Motion sends his gelding out for the second trip of '09, after a very nice second place effort in the Henry Clark Stakes at Pimlico on April 25th. His latest work would go three-quarters of a mile in 1:15 and one-fifth on May 30th, though not at Woodbine. The six-year-old has an impressive 17-5-4-2 record with $341,507 in earnings. Independent George should be a probable favorite in the morning line and at post time. Have to respect the ship-in here.

Judith's Wild Rush is going back to a route after two consecutive sprints in the Jacques Cartier Stakes and the Vigil Stakes Gr.III, which came to be disappointing to say the least. The old-timer of the group at nine years of age, Judith's Wild Rush may have seen his time, though owner Tenenbaum seems to think otherwise. Two things to look at here that would suggest this horse is on his way out, are a trainer change to Seymour and jockey change to David Garcia. Not to say anything bad about either Seymour or Garcia, but, c'mon let's get real, when do you see these two guy's names against a group of horses like this. It's sad to think a million dollar earner like Judith's Wild Rush will get no respect here. Time to go to the breeding shed with this good ole boy.

My Picks: 5-2-6

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