Assiniboia: Balooga Bull formidable in Osiris

Balooga Bull, who ran his record to 2 for 2 with an impressive win in the Graduation Stakes, looms a solid choice on Saturday in the $25,000 Osiris at Assiniboia Downs.

The Osiris, a six-furlong stakes for 2-year-olds, will go as the third race on an eight-race card which also includes a top-level open allowance race for 3-year-olds and upward.

Balooga Bulll, a Kentucky-bred who is owned by Paul Brandt and trained by Ardell Sayler, was sent off at almost 12-1 when he came from last place in a field of eight to score by 2 1/2 lengths at 4 1/2 furlongs on July 2. Four weeks later, Balooga Bull shot to the lead in the 5 1/2-furlong Graduation and never looked back while winning by 3 1/2 lengths at just under 4-1 under returning rider Mark Anderson.

Balooga Bull was chased home there by the fillies Gospel Girl and My Painted Ponies, both of whom were entered in Friday’s Debutante, and he should make short work of his Osiris rivals after beginning from post 4.

River Dance and Royal Blackjack, who also is trained by Sayler, are the only other winners in the lineup.

Rohan Singh retains the mount on River Dance, who won a straight maiden race at five furlongs.

Royal Blackjack, who won at the $7,500 claiming level, again will be ridden by Tim Moccasin.

Rounding out the Osiris lineup will be Dixieland Gold, second for an $18,750 tag in his only appearance; Northern Cotton, a filly who finished fifth in her only start; and the debuting Samurai Slam.

The $18,000 allowance, which goes as the seventh race, features a match between some of the top fillies and mares and top older males on the grounds.

Witch’s Coven and Ruby’s Big Band finished one-two in the Winnipeg Sun for fillies and mares on July 31 and will be facing seven males. Doc’s Friend, upset winner of the R.J. Speers in his latest, and I Am Awesome, who surprised in the Wheat City before finishing off the board in the Speers, are among that group.