Woodbine: Love in Egbert poised to give Buttigieg a lift

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Owner-trainer Paul Buttigieg has cooled off since enjoying an exceptional first half of the Woodbine meet, but Love in Egbert could end his slide Wednesday in the featured sixth race, a 6 1/2-furlong Ontario-sired allowance.

Love in Egbert finished second in her first three outings, and in her fourth race she was placed second through disqualification in May. She finally graduated in a 6 1/2-furlong maiden special June 9, and then doubled up in a seven-furlong allowance June 27.

Love in Egbert went to the sidelines after checking in third in a race at this nonwinners-of-three allowance class July 14. She was only an early factor in her first start off the bench Oct. 8, but then improved nicely Oct. 31, when she rallied for second after awaiting room on the turn.

Sunshine Promise figures to lead the way under apprentice Skye Chernetz. It took her nine tries to clear the nonwinners-of-two allowance condition, which she did with determination Sept. 16.

Most recently, going six furlongs against nonwinners-of-three stock, Sunshine Promise battled four wide for the lead on the turn before fading to third in a deceptively good performance.

Trainer Dave Cotey worked Sunshine Promise an easy half-mile three times during the past month.

Bear’s Gem is riding the wave of back-to-back wins in Ontario-sired company, which began when she crushed maidens with a 70 Beyer Speed Figure on Sept. 23. A month later, she rallied four wide after missing the break to beat allowance runners by daylight.

Patrick Husbands replaces the suspended Emma Wilson on Bear’s Gem, who is trained by Reade Baker.

Summer Ending is competing for the first time since Sept. 16, when she was a fast-closing second in a seven-furlong allowance. She previously was in poor form, but may not have enjoyed the hot summer weather. Cutting back in distance will likely be to her disadvantage.

Executive Driven wound up fifth in her last three appearances, all at this class. Todd Kabel has been tabbed to ride her again by trainer Bob Tiller, a combination that has been heating up.

Tiller also entered Princess Pick, who hasn’t shown much since the spring.

Total Bliss has regressed since commencing the meet on a positive note. Leading rider Luis Contreras will try to get her going in the right direction on Wednesday.

Ashighastheheavens is a prospect for the bottom of superfecta wagers. She got away slowly before making up some ground on the outside to finish fourth behind Love in Egbert on Oct. 31.