Awakened returns on short rest

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Horseplayers shouldn't be concerned when a sharp horse runs back on fairly short rest during the waning days of the Woodbine meet, since they often fare well, sometimes at an overlaid price.

Awakened fits the bill in Wednesday's featured sixth race, a second-level allowance sprint for Ontario-sired runners.

Awakened graduated first time out in an Ontario-sired maiden special in November 2008. He was subsequently idle for 10 months, until Sept. 20, when he wound up sixth in a race that he may have needed for conditioning purposes.

Awakened improved nicely when a closing second in his second start off the bench. He cleared the first Ontario-sired allowance condition Nov. 12, when he pressed a slow pace before digging in to prevail by a head over Bob's Ring. His 6 1/2-furlong time of 1:17.15 translated into a 79 Beyer Speed Figure.

Leading rider Patrick Husbands will ride Awakened for the meet's leading trainer, Mark Casse.

Which version of Win and Reign will show on Wednesday? Will it be the one who wired the field with an 85 Beyer two starts ago, or the one who wilted after getting hounded on the lead most recently?

Win and Reign was in drab form before he shook loose on the lead en route to a convincing score under Eurico Da Silva in an allowance sprint that was taken off the grass Oct. 10. Da Silva, who wasn't aboard for that last subpar showing, has the mount Wednesday in a field that doesn't contain much other speed.

King Eddie is another legitimate contender. It took him a while to clear the first Ontario-sired allowance condition, and he finally turned the trick going seven furlongs Aug. 30.

King Eddie was a close third in his second attempt at this level and then finished second in a fast 6 1/2-furlong dash that was won by favored Daniel Be Good, a one-time stakes performer.

King Eddie exhibited surprising speed in his latest before coming up a neck short under Emile Ramsammy, who has the call Wednesday. Expect him to assume a stalking position this time en route to another high placing.

Bug's Boy received an 81 Beyer when he rallied inside to prevail while defeating Awakened on Oct. 23, but he never threatened during a wide trip in his first try at this level Nov. 8.