Breaking Lucky will try to regroup in Ontario Derby
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Prince of Wales Stakes winner Breaking Lucky will be looking to rebound off of his disappointing effort in the Breeders’ Stakes in Sunday’s Grade 3, $150,000 Ontario Derby for 3-year-olds over 1 1/8 miles on Polytrack at Woodbine.
Breaking Lucky was eased late and crossed the line 35 1/2 lengths behind winner Danish Dynaformer on turf in the Aug. 16 Breeders’ Stakes, the third and final jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown. Trainer Reade Baker said Breaking Lucky has bounced back well out of that start and looks to be in a good spot.
“He’s doing great,” he said. “He couldn’t handle the softness of the turf in that last race. I think this is a very winnable race for him.”
Baker said that Breaking Lucky has been training well up to the Ontario Derby and was pleased with his most recent breeze, which came on the main track on Sept. 12. The five-furlong move in 1:00 was the best of 72 at the distance.
KEY CONTENDERS
Breaking Lucky (Last 3 Beyers: 27-93-81)
◗ Breaking Lucky has a win on Polytrack this season, albeit in a sprint, and was a close second in an optional-claiming race around two turns against 3-year-olds in May. He rallied from well back to be fifth in the Queen’s Plate, one position behind fellow Ontario Derby entrant Billy’s Star.
Billy’s Star (Last 3 Beyers: 84-80-83)
◗ He won the Victoria Park Stakes in impressive fashion with a wide move from off of the pace. Trainer Roger Attfield said he thinks all four of Billy’s Star’s Polytrack races this season have been strong.
“They’re all solid, solid races in my opinion, and I expected him to win the Victoria Park off of those races,” he said. “We’ve got to carry on and show what he’s really got.”
Kingsport (Last 3 Beyers: 84-91-82)
◗ He’s also been entered in Saturday’s Overskate Stakes against older Ontario-sired rivals.
◗ If he runs on Sunday, he figures to be involved in the early pace scenario and could be the controlling speed of the race. He would have to pass a big distance test and would be facing open company for the first time.
Firespike (Last 3 Beyers: 82-71-75)
◗ He shipped north for his last start, running second to Billy’s Star in the Victoria Park Stakes.
◗ Some of the best races of his career have been on Polytrack, including a third-place finish in the Grade 3 Spiral Stakes at Turfway Park in March when he earned an 87 Beyer Speed Figure.