Woodbine: Consolidated Joe drops to level where he's dangerous

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – After a subpar showing, Consolidator Joe could rebound in the only non-claiming race at Woodbine on Wednesday, a six-furlong starter allowance for horses who competed for $40,000 or less in 2011-12.

Consolidator Joe had a fabulous 2011 campaign, during which he won 5 of 7 starts and nearly $180,000 under the guidance of trainer Norm McKnight. He did the bulk of his damage against $50,000 3-year-olds, and was bestowed the honor of claimer of the year by the Toronto Thoroughbred Racing Club.

Following a winter break, Consolidator Joe flattened out to finish third after flashing speed in a second-level allowance with a $62,500-claiming option. Two weeks later on May 21, he scored by a nose at the same level, while picking up a career best 84 Beyer Figure.

Most recently with a $60,000 claiming tag, Consolidator Joe faded to fourth after stalking a slow pace, earning just a 69 Beyer.

Eurico Da Silva inherits the mount on Consolidator Joe from Luis Contreras, who’s sticking with Carbon Footprint.

Trained by Gail Cox, Carbon Footprint won both of his 2011 outings under Contreras, a $40,000 conditioned claimer and a first-level allowance. He was a close second to next-out winner Tapit’s Brew in his second try off an extended layoff June 2, in a $40,000 starter over seven furlongs.

Normally a front-runner, Carbon Footprint could track the early leaders after breaking from the outside post, before making his move.

Bear Tough Tiger, the probable favorite, never challenged in the Grade 2 Highlander Stakes on the grass June 24. He was previously fifth behind several of the leading sprinters on the grounds in the Grade 3 Vigil Stakes, which came on the heels of a daylight victory in a $40,000 starter.

Quincy Welch will ride the Reade Baker-trained Bear Tough Tiger again.

Guitar Solo is exiting a substandard performance at a chalky price. He was previously victorious over Top Prospect and Consolidator Joe, closing strongly on the outside from off tepid fractions in an optional claiming event.

Guitar Solo took 3 of 10 starts last year, all for trainer Steve Attard, who will give Emma Wilson a leg up.

Zip It Nance prevailed in a slow five-furlong allowance in his first race off the bench on opening day of the meet. He subsequently finished third for $50,000, and was beaten a whisker by Consolidator Joe after leading the way May 21. He has worked two bullets since his fade job in a June 1 optional claimer.