Artie's Storm looks to bounce back in Seagram Cup

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Artie’s Storm didn’t have much racing luck after his victorious season opener, but he could get back to the winner’s circle in Sunday’s Grade 3, $150,000 Seagram Cup.

Artie’s Storm was among the leading 3-year-olds at Woodbine in 2021. He came from third to win the Grade 2 Eclipse over reigning Canadian champion male 3-year-old Frosted Over when returning from a six-month layoff on May 29.

Artie’s Storm had traffic problems when second to Frosted Over in the Grade 3 Dominion Day and when ninth most recently in the Grade 2 Connaught Cup on the main turf.

Trainer Paul Buttigieg felt the course condition in the seven-furlong Connaught Cup was detrimental to Artie’s Storm and said the gelding is much better suited to the 1 1/16 miles on the Tapeta in the Seagram Cup.

“I didn’t think he liked that hard turf” and the distance, Buttigieg explained. “I’m happier with this race, no question about it.”

Leading trainer Mark Casse entered Frosted Over and Tap It to Win, who was cross-entered in Saturday’s Grade 3 Bold Venture.

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Frosted Over got hung out very wide on the first turn before finishing well back in a July 30 turf experiment in the Niagara Stakes, a race Casse said you can draw a line through.

Trainer Kevin Attard entered Special Forces, Haddassah, and Clayton, who also was entered in the Bold Venture.

Special Forces was fourth in the Dominion Day in his improved second outing of the season.

“I thought he showed a lot more in his last race,” Attard said. “He’s a little older, and maybe he needs more racing under his belt before coming up with his best.”

Bison City Stakes

Attard sends out Souper Flashy and Strega in Sunday’s $250,000 Bison City Stakes. The 1 1/16-mile route follows the Woodbine Oaks as the second leg of the Canadian Triple Tiara for Canadian-bred 3-year-old fillies.

Souper Flashy ran second to her stablemate Moira in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes at 2. She won her seasonal bow in allowance company before ending up fourth in back-to-back stakes, including the July 24 Woodbine Oaks that was won in a romp by Moira.

“She probably should have been third in the Oaks,” Attard said. “She got into some trouble heading towards the quarter pole. She got shuffled back to last and had to re-rally. She’s been a very consistent filly who tries every time. With a better trip, this race could work out well for her. She’s tactical, and she can use that to her advantage.”

Strega beat nonwinners-of-two opposition in her May 27 comeback and is coming off a flat third against nonwinners-of-three rivals on the inner turf.

“Her first race this year when she won, I don’t think she fully prepared, and I think she bounced a little in her second start,” Attard said. “I expect this third start of the year will be a big one for her. She’s been training lights-out.”

Sister Seagull, who was a distant second in the Oaks, could go off favored. Completing the field are Pioneer’s Edge and Lady Brew.