Armstrong cuts back; mandatory payout in Jackpot Power Pick 6
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ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Armstrong has been all over the class map since returning from an extended layoff and should be prominent in Friday’s seventh race for $25,000 claimers at Woodbine.
Returning from a one-year absence July 24 in his debut for trainer Mike Wright Jr., Armstrong plunged in value to take on $7,500 conditioned claiming opponents. Sent off as the 2-1 favorite, he darted out to an uncontested lead and never looked back to prevail by 5 1/2 lengths with an 80 Beyer Figure.
Armstrong was tagged for $32,000 in a subsequent allowance/optional claimer, during which he put away the other speed before holding on for second behind 30-1 bomb Magic Power. He earned an 81 Beyer.
When extending to seven furlongs over a speed-favoring track most recently in a $7,500 starter allowance, Armstrong was outrun for the lead by Endrick and then faded to finish a distant fourth. Victorious Endrick subsequently lost a heartbreaker in a first-level allowance.
Armstrong is being reunited with Leo Salles, who was aboard for his comeback score and that subsequent second. Michael Bellissimo owns the 6-year-old son of Mucho Macho Man, whom he claimed for $50,000 with trainer Marty Drexler two years ago.
Friday’s 5 1/2-furlong dash also lured Last American Exit, Caught Speeding, Red Weaver, Roi Soleil, Total Sensation, Gilt Edge, and Lazio.
Last American Exit is exiting a sagging eighth-place finish traveling seven furlongs when claimed for $25,000 by trainer Don MacRae. The 9-year-old was nearly always competitive at this level prior to that last subpar showing. His most recent victory June 21 came over six furlongs, and perhaps shortening in distance will be to his benefit.
Caught Speeding has been working bullets for his first outing since coming up empty Aug. 23 in a first-level allowance/optional claimer, a level at which he was previously a respectable third.
Red Weaver is moving up off a rare $15,000 claim by trainer Michelle Love and a second behind the speedy El Alacran, who subsequently doubled up in a $7,500 starter allowance. Red Weaver was against the elements then while closing over a track that favored speed and inside runners.
Roi Soleil took 2 of 7 starts in 2025, but the 5-year-old has failed to hit the board in four races this year, most recently when dropping to this level on the inner turf.
Total Sensation went to the sidelines after dead-heating for the win in a $25,000 conditioned claimer on the dirt at Penn National in late February. He scored twice on the Tapeta here last fall, against $40,000 maidens and $10,000 nonwinners-of-two claimers.
Gilt Edge is cheapening up off two consecutive dull performances in allowance/optional-claiming company. A wide trip on the main turf hindered his chances last time out.
Lazio has been a minor player since toppling $15,000 claimers June 19 and is candidate for the lower rungs of vertical wagers.
◗ There will be a mandatory payout on the Jackpot Power Pick 6 on Friday. Post time is 1:05 p.m.
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