Friday July 12, 2013

Please double check all program numbers prior to wagering

Woodbine    Race 1,    7 furlongs Claiming $8,000 (12:55 ET)

Best Value Play: #2 Boss Tweed  (8/1)

Most Likely Winner: #6 Steady Stuart  (8/5)

Other Contenders: #4 Quarterback (2/1), #5 Bet On Jack (3/1)

Analysis: No doubt Steady Stuart is the horse to beat plus he gets top jock Contreras for the trip. He probably bounced a bit from his last race but his history suggests he will be there at the wire. Quarterback will mix it up early and is capable of hanging tough enough to win this one. Bet On Jack is not a bad bet at all. Any horse that is in the money 75% of the time is probably sound and motivated to run. Boss Tweed may be a bit of a stretch but if the pace scenario is just right he could be a surprise that shows up before the party is over.

Woodbine  Race 8,   7 furlongs  Optional Claiming $60,500 (4:40 ET)

Best Value Play: #6 Alythiela (10/1)

Most Likely Winner: #7 Man Stuff (8/5)

Other Contenders: #1 Hurricane Lorraine (6/1) #2 Eastern Atlantic (5/2)

Analysis: The winning Queen’s Plate connections look to be the ones to beat in her with a good filly named Man Stuff. She has graded stakes experience and speed to control the race and go all the way to the wire. Hurricane Lorraine is coming off an impressive 9 length win with a good speed figure. Eastern Atlantic was right next to Man Stuff last out and is in a prime position to improve for one of Toronto’s best conditioners. Alythiela was set to go on June 15 at this level and against a couple of these but was scratched by successful trainer Josie Carroll. A little more time for her seasonal debut and two blistering works since that day in June says she is ready to go at a nice price.