Clockwise turf sprint a first
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – The first right-handed turf race in Woodbine history will kick off Friday’s card, a five-furlong starter allowance that could belong to Red Fever.
It is the launch of the Euro Turf Series of clockwise races here this year. Up to 40 such events will be offered, all over short sprint distances. The experiment is designed to employ the little-used western portion of the 12-furlong course.
All competitors must have a qualifying work over the layout. With a sharp elbow turn near the start and a downhill run to the short stretch of the course, conventional wisdom is that horses with speed on the inside should have an advantage, and Red Fever fits the bill.
Red Fever ran lights-out in a five-furlong turf dash for $16,000 claimers at Gulfstream on Feb. 24, battling through fast fractions before drawing clear to prevail with an 85 Beyer Speed Figure. He returned to Woodbine after getting wiped out at the break in another $16,000 sprint at Gulfstream on March 26, when he was claimed by trainer Danny Vella for Joey Gee Thoroughbreds.
Ten others were entered in the opener, including three also-eligibles. It carries a purse of $39,500 and is restricted to 3-year-olds and up who ran for $25,000 or less since the beginning of 2015.
KEY CONTENDERS
Red Fever, by Where’s the Ring
Last 3 Beyers: 71-67-68
◗ The 5-year-old has started twice on the Tapeta at the meet. He faded to sixth after getting softened up in a speed duel in a 6 1/2-furlong allowance April 16. Most recently, going six furlongs with a $30,000 tag, he never fired after starting slowly from post 1, which he drew again for Friday.
Omar, by Bertrando
Last 3 Beyers: 90-74-87
◗ He flaunted his class, fitness edge, and speed while wiring $20,000 opposition traveling five-eighths in his local debut April 16. The bad news is he was a vet scratch from a $40,000 claimer here May 13. Emma-Jayne Wilson, who retains the mount for trainer Robertino Diodoro, won a recent trial over this layout.
Leo’s Lookin, by Leonnatus Anteas
Last 3 Beyers: 89-75-75
◗ The front-runner defeated four next-out winners in his April 29 tally over $16,000 claimers. His limited grass form is spotty, and his outside draw here is a negative.
Bet On Jack, by With Distinction
Last 3 Beyers: 74-57-84
◗ After a wide journey, he outran Red Fever for third in a $32,000 contest May 20. He drew nicely, post 2, under leading rider Eurico Da Silva but has never tried turf.