We head north of the border today, and yes, they are still running at Woodbine, though the conditions will be far from ideal. Rain is in the forecast, but with a synthetic surface like they have on the main track there, the surface will not be affected that much.
But the track has had surface issues over the last few months. Woodbine cancelled most of their King’s Plate card and had to reschedule. There was also a cancellation a few weeks ago when three horses broke down in one day, one in training and two during a race card.
I think it is very conceivable that this card does get scrapped today if the weather is bad. But I am going to go forward here and preview this race today.
Woodbine Race 5 – Maiden Optional Claiming
We have nine entered in this test going a mile and a sixteenth. Favored in this race is the 2 Sugar Buzz (5/2 morning line). He had a wide trip all the way around at nearly the same distance after drawing the widest post last time out. The post will help him today and maybe it prevents him from having an outside trip.
The 1 Lasting Silence (4/1 ML) goes two turns for the first time today as he appears for the first time as a gelding. He made a wide move on the turn and then flattened out while drifting inward. He should be able to handle the initial journey around two turns here today here at Woodbine.
The 3 Royal Entry (6/1 ML) had a rail trip last time out at Woodbine finishing fourth. He showed good energy until the final furlong. That experience going two turns should help him today.
The 9 I’manislandboy (10/1 ML) appeared to have a chance to close last time out and hung. He needed the experience of going two turns as well, and his breeding suggests he should love this distance today.
Joe’s Pick
Lasting Silence got the ultimate equipment chance since his last race six weeks ago or so having been gelded. I think Sugar Buzz might think he will have to go wide on the final turn like he did last time. Royal Entry I think has the best chance to upset here and I think he wins this race here today. Let’s call this 3-1-2-9 and my play is $20 to win on the 3.
Best of luck everyone, and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!
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