Assiniboia: Brinello has fifth straight Agassiz win in sights

Brinello showed little in his first two starts this season but then woke up to score by 4 3/4 lengths Aug. 5 in the one-mile allowance prep for the $50,000 Agassiz Stakes at Assiniboia Downs. And while Brinello was disqualified and placed sixth that day, the 9-year-old gelding has made his point and should make amends by recording his fifth consecutive Agassiz victory Friday evening.

The Agassiz, a one-mile stakes for Manitoba-bred 3-year-olds and upward, attracted a field of seven and goes as the seventh race on an eight-race card which also includes the $25,000 Debutante.

Brinello, who is owned by Ross McKague and trained by Carl Anderson, finished second in his first crack at the Agassiz in 2006 and has since won at mutuels of $4.90, $2.10, $2.80 and $2.50. His cumulative margin for those victories was more than 35 lengths.

Breaking from post 1 with leading rider David Lopez in the irons, Brinello will be favored to extend his remarkable Agassiz streak.

Brinello could face a stern argument from Tannat, who is one of two 3-year-olds in the field.

Tannat won his maiden over one mile on July 16 and then finished a respectable fourth in the 1 1/8-mile Manitoba Derby, closing from last place in the field of nine to be beaten eight lengths.

Percolating inherited the win in the prep when Brinello was disqualified and returns from that race along with Sir J Windsor, Major Hurricane, and Applicant, with Hop Along Harry rounding out the field.

The Debutante, the first stakes race of the meeting for 2-year-old fillies, attracted a field of five headed by Gospel Gal.

Although she is a maiden after four starts, Gospel Gal has run second on three occasions, including her latest where she chased home the gelding Balooga Bull in the 5 1/2-furlong Graduation. Gospel Gal, trained by Charles Smith and ridden by Rohan Singh, was beaten 3 1/2 lengths there but finished 6 1/4 lengths ahead of third-place My Ponies Painted, who also is back for the Debutante.

Mikayla Rae, Jills Summer Raine and Hot Toccet, all coming off a maiden victory, complete the lineup.