Desert Ride may find turf is greener in Wonder Where

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Woodbine Oaks winner Desert Ride goes back to the turf in Saturday’s $225,000 Wonder Where Stakes, the final leg of the Canadian Triple Tiara, a series for Canadian-bred 3-year-old fillies.

Based at Churchill Downs with trainer Neil Howard, Desert Ride began her career early this year by winning two of her first three starts, all on turf, most notably a one-mile allowance at Keeneland. A stretch-runner, she had a fast pace to chase when she won the $500,000 Woodbine Oaks on the Tapeta here June 8.

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Three weeks after the nine-furlong Oaks, Desert Ride took on the boys in the 10-furlong Queen’s Plate. With her chances compromised by a slow pace, she finished fifth in a 14-horse field, 10 ½ lengths back of victorious One Bad Boy.

Given the relatively quick return to action, Howard felt that Desert Ride acquitted herself well in the $1 million Plate.

“I was very satisfied with it,” Howard said. “We were all well aware of the difficulties of running back quickly. I don’t know that that hindered her, but going from stakes to stakes, time between races gives you a little more insurance. I feel like she’s had the requisite time between races now. Even though she handled the synthetic fine, I’m very much in a comfort zone with her being back on the turf. I think she’s best on the turf, without a question.”

Howard said Desert Ride has flourished of late in her training at Churchill Downs, and should be able to stay the 1 ¼ miles on the main turf course in the Wonder Where.

“I’m real pleased with her,” Howard said. “She had a good trip up there. Given her pedigree and her running style, I think it’s within her. I think it should be fine.”

A field of seven was drawn for the Wonder Where, which is carded as the ninth on an 11-race program.

KEY CONTENDERS

Desert Ride, by Candy Ride

Last 3 Beyers: 78-83-75

◗ Her owner-breeder, Sam-Son Farm, has won this historic event seven times, beginning in 1972 with Takaring, but not since 2013 with Smartyfly.

Speedy Soul, by Souper Speedy

Last 3 Beyers: 82-86-79

◗ After finishing third in the Oaks, she won the middle Tiara leg, the Bison City Stakes, over 1 1/16 miles on the Tapeta.

◗ She made her turf debut in her last race, ending up second in the Grade 3 Ontario Colleen going a mile on the inner course.

Niigon’s Spin, by Hard Spun

Last 3 Beyers: 70-58-60

◗ The probable pacesetter on Saturday, she led all the way last time out in a 1 ¼-mile maiden special on the main turf. That was her first race with Lasix, and she fits the mold of a fast-improving runner.