Canadian Horse of the Year contender Starship Jubilee confirmed for Cardinal Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Trainer Kevin Attard said Starship Jubilee is on target for the Grade 3 Cardinal Stakes on Thanksgiving at Churchill Downs.

Starship Jubilee is a leading candidate for Canadian Horse of the Year honors, and a graded stakes score in the United States would bolster her chances. Attard said the Grade 1 E.P. Taylor winner could make one more additional start at Gulfstream before heading to the breeding shed.

“We’re hoping the weather cooperates,” Attard said. “Obviously, the turf in Kentucky will be good.”

Starship Jubilee has worked a bullet half-mile twice on the dirt training track here this month.

“I’m happy with her,” Attard said. “It seems like she hasn’t lost a step. She’s still pretty sharp. She’s eating well. I can’t complain.”

Attard won two 2-year-old events last weekend, including a five-furlong maiden special on Sunday with the debuting Clayton, who rode an inside bias to a 7 1/2-length triumph. The 88 Beyer Speed Figure earned by Clayton was the third-highest for a 2-year-old in Canada this year. Attard said owner Donato Lanni has been fielding offers for the Ontario-bred son of Bodemeister.

“He’s a pretty nice colt,” Attard said. “I expected a good run out of him. He didn’t disappoint. The phone’s been pretty busy. We’re going to give him some down time now. He’ll probably join me at Gulfstream and will gear up for a 3-year-old Canadian campaign, most likely.”

Attard won an Ontario-sired maiden sprint on Saturday with Act of Bob, who was making his second start.

“He’s a handy little horse,” Attard said. “He might be put away for the year.”