Casse's pair figure in sprint

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Leading trainer Mark Casse will send out two runners in Thursday's Woodbine headliner, Awakened and Munsters Lane. They both could have a say in the outcome of the 6 1/2-furlong first-level allowance sprint for Ontario-sired stock.

Awakened won his debut in a 5 1/2-furlong maiden special last November before going to the sidelines for 10 months. He resurfaced Sept. 20 in a six-furlong allowance, finishing three lengths back in sixth after a tardy beginning.

Awakened came wide from fifth to end up second behind Bug's Boy in another six-furlong allowance Oct. 23, when he was awarded a 78 Beyer Speed Figure. He breezed five-eighths in a fast 1:00.40 last Friday, and leading rider Patrick Husbands stays aboard.

Munsters Lane had a rough trip on the turf when he debuted Sept. 7. He was steadied in traffic twice before drawing clear to prevail in a quick time of 1:15 for the 6 1/2 furlongs, which translated into an 82 Beyer.

Munsters Lane never challenged after getting away slowly in a subsequent allowance on the Polytrack. Did he bounce that day, or does he dislike the Polytrack? That is the question handicappers must ponder when sizing up his chances Thursday.

Corey Fraser will break Munsters Lane from 1-hole, a post that has produced just 9 percent winners in Polytrack sprints at the meet.

Bob's Ring is in with a realistic shot. He received a 79 Beyer when he graduated in his season opener in June, and then placed in two allowances before getting a summer vacation.

Bob's Ring was a stalking second in each of his outings this fall, both in Ontario-sired allowances. Emma Wilson will ride him for trainer Laurie Silvera.

Knight's Quest has been laid up since finishing second in a key July 26 allowance route, from which the third and sixth horses both exited to win. He won his maiden going long last November and might be prepping for a two-turn engagement during the waning days of the meet, which is scheduled to conclude Dec. 6.

Not Too Tacky wound up fifth behind Awakened in his first appearance outside the maiden ranks Oct. 23. It took him 12 starts to earn his diploma.

Completing the field are Northoffifty, Monsieur Phillipe, and Simply Bold, who graduated over seven furlongs in his eighth and most recent outing.