Cutback, drop in class could land Heliocentric her first win

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – A horse without a share in nine career starts is usually a toss, but that’s not the case with Heliocentric in Thursday’s fourth race for $25,000 maiden fillies and mares.

Heliocentric has competed exclusively in maiden special weight company for Shelley Fitzgerald, one of the most underrated trainers at Woodbine. The 4-year-old finished fifth in 2 of 5 outings last year, during which she earned several Beyer Speed Figures in the 60s.

Heliocentric was beaten a combined total of nearly 30 lengths in her first two disappointing races this year in June, which included her first Tapeta start going long. She tried the inner turf in her last two races around two turns without showing much.

The big drop Thursday combined with the cutback to a one-turn, seven-furlong sprint on the main turf might be just what the doctor ordered for Heliocentric, who will be ridden by the talented apprentice Fraser Aeby.

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Privacy Setting could go favored with Patrick Husbands aboard for trainer Steve Chircop. The French import ran third in two consecutive 7 1/2-furlong inner-turf tilts against Ontario-sired and $40,000 maidens in the spring.

Privacy Setting showed surprising speed before fading late to fifth when dropping to this level most recently and could be less aggressive this time with the blinkers removed.

Good News Money placed in 3 of 11 races, which included several respectable performances against maiden special rivals last year. The 4-year-old disappointed in her last two attempts when tagged for $40,000 and is dropping to a logical spot.

Eswan Flores takes over on Good News Money for trainer Nick Nosowenko. They teamed to win with 10-1 shot Our Flag Flying last Saturday.

World Showcase didn’t show much in two Gulfstream excursions going long on different surfaces in March and April. She nearly got the job done as the favorite in a slowly run event at this level last out under leading rider Sahin Civaci, who retains the mount for his main man Marty Drexler. They’re among the top jockey-trainer combos at the meet.

Mardene was in poor form before showing signs of life most recently when fourth behind World Showcase. The durable 5-year-old has three seconds and five thirds to her credit from 22 starts for trainer Sylvain Pion, who combined with Rafael Hernandez to win last Friday’s nightcap with the longtime maiden Ondine Lady.

Unraced Sweet City Doll is by Temple City, who has sired 8 percent debut winners and 12 percent grass winners. Her dam produced three winners, including the hard-knocking sprinter Dancing Doll. Ryan Munger rides her for good first-out trainer Michelle Love.

Post time for the eight-race card is 4:50 p.m.

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