Carroll has strong players in Princess Elizabeth and Overskate stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Trainer Josie Carroll will have lots of stakes action at Woodbine Saturday, when she sends out Curlin’s Voyage, Avie’s Samurai, and She’s a Dream in the $225,000 Princess Elizabeth, and Dixie’s Gamble in the $100,000 Overskate.

Curlin’s Voyage should be the prohibitive favorite in the 74th running of the Princess Elizabeth, a 1 1/16-mile test for Canadian-foaled 2-year-old fillies. After placing in two sprint stakes in July, she graduated in a mile and 70-yard maiden special in a dominating performance under Eurico Da Silva.

Curlin’s Voyage was favored Oct. 5 in the Grade 3 Mazarine Stakes. After mounting a wide bid from fourth, she was herded out in the stretch by pacesetter Skygaze before finishing second. Skygaze was disqualified from first to third for impeding both Curlin’s Voyage and Take Charge Eh. Da Silva said he lost all chance due to the incident.

“I’m not sure if I would have won, but it was going to be very close,” Da Silva said. “I really needed to check my filly at that point.”

The Princess Elizabeth goes as the eighth race, with a field of seven.

KEY CONTENDERS

Curlin’s Voyage, by Curlin

Last 3 Beyers: 79-66-73

◗ Da Silva said the Hill ‘n’ Dale homebred is a true router.

“She loves the distance,” Da Silva said. “She’s going to be tough this time against Canadian-breds. She’s a very nice filly.”

Avie’s Samurai, by First Samurai

Last 3 Beyers: 69-62-60

◗ She gave up a three-length lead in the stretch last time when third in a 7 1/2-furlong allowance around two turns on the inner turf, but is bred to handle a route of ground.

She’s a Dream, by Silent Name

Last 3 Beyers: 64-66-73

◗ The stakes-placed sprinter is a half-sister to Paladin Bay, who won the 2013 Princess Elizabeth over Lexie Lou.

Take Charge Eh, by Will Take Charge

Last 3 Beyers: 69-31-74

◗ She was cut off by Skygaze on the first turn in the Mazarine and was promoted from third to second by disqualification.

Merveilleux, by Paynter

Beyers: 65-63

◗ The $150,000 2-year-old purchase won third-time out in a mile and 70-yard maiden special. Her trainer, Kevin Attard, has been the hottest on the grounds this month.

Dixie’s Gamble tops Overskate

Dixie’s Gamble has been chasing the mighty Pink Lloyd, but won’t have to face the two-time Canadian champion sprinter in this seven-furlong event for Ontario-sired runners. He peaked with a powerful six-length score in a second-level optional claimer June 8, for which he got a 97 Beyer, and has worked fast during his freshening leading up to this event.

Magical Man cleared the second allowance condition in a recent optional claimer.

Speedy Connor is unbeaten in four starts, three of which were at Fort Erie.

Silent Jimmie and Jacks Escarpment round out the field.