Alley Oop Johnny seeks first win of year on quick turnaround
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ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Alley Oop Johnny won’t have to chase the speedy Peja Du around when he runs back in a week in Friday’s sixth race at Woodbine, where he should be prominent in the wide-open $25,000 claiming race.
An eight-time winner in 48 starts, Alley Oop Johnny won 3 of 9 outings last year under a variety of conditions. The 8-year-old has continued to run competitively, but the bottom line is he’s winless in nine races this year while displaying hanging tendencies at times.
Alley Oop Johnny began the year with a trio of runner-up finishes for $20,000 among his first four starts at Gulfstream. After another narrow loss there April 27, he returned to Woodbine on June 29 and finished a close second while claimed by trainer Steve Chircop for $25,000. After back-to-back fifths, he dropped back down to $25,000 last Friday and saved ground in third before fading to sixth as Peja Du romped on the front end over a speed-favoring inner turf.
Alley Oop Johnny shortens up from 1 1/16 miles to the more favorable distance of 7 1/2 furlongs on Friday under Jose Campos, who teamed with Chricop to win last Sunday’s Victorian Queen Stakes with Souper Diva.
Blast in the Snow is descending from first-level allowance company to compete for a $25,000 tag for just the second time in his career. He began his campaign with a third-place finish traveling 7 1/2 furlongs on the inner layout before tailing off, and he’s winless over the inner course while placing twice in four starts. Fraser Aebly will ride him again for trainer Catherine Day Phillips.
Tazman is making his first two-turn start on the inner course off a front-running score in a six-furlong starter allowance on the Tapeta. The Florida-bred figures to lead the way on the stretch-out with Slade Callaghan back riding for his wife, trainer Kelly Callaghan – a deadly combo.
Trainer Marty Drexler sends out C My Meister and Walter Me Lad among the field of eight.
C My Meister was protected by waiver at this level when a close third after mounting a wide rally in his June 29 season opener going long on the inner course. He disappointed in two subsequent outings against tougher and is dropping to a logical spot. The 6-year-old was a solid $25,000 claimer last year and should pose a late-running threat if the pace is honest.
Walter Me Lad was a beaten favorite in each of his last three starts, including two at this level. He may be no more than a minor player again in his inner-turf debut.
Fort Erie stalwart Victory March missed the break before closing outside to win a restricted sprint at odds of 1-20 over a Fort Erie dirt track that favored speed and inside runners when exiting a two-month layoff on Sept. 9. He rallied for fourth in his only turf start here last fall.
Completing the lineup are Penner Ash and Quiet Intent. Post time for the seven-race card is 4:30 p.m.
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