Distance of Sir Winston Churchill Stakes favors Capilano Canyon

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Capilano Canyon will try to get back on track when he runs in the $50,000 Sir Winston Churchill Stakes on Thursday at Hastings.

Despite losses to Thursday opponent Synergy in his first two starts this year, Capilano Canyon figures to be favored in the Sir Winston Churchill, a 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds, which drew seven horses and goes as race 3 on an eight-race card that begins at 4:30 p.m. Pacific.

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Trained by Dave Forster, Capilano Canyon had excuses for both of his losses this year and will appreciate stretching out to the distance he won the $75,000 Ascot Graduation at in his final start as a juvenile.

In his first start this year, Capilano Canyon almost overcame a horrible start but lost by a nose to Synergy in a six-furlong conditioned allowance race for 3- and 4-year-olds.

A British Columbia-bred son of Abrraj, Capilano Canyon was sent off as the 1-2 favorite in the $40,000 Chris Loseth in his second start this year. This time he broke well from the inside post in the 6 1/2-furlong race. However, after having to steady when Yo Zackly beat him to the rail and the lead early, he got stuck behind a moderate pace while Synergy sat on the flank of Yo Zackly. Synergy went on to beat Yo Zackly by a nose. Capilano Canyon got bogged down on the rail and could not make up any ground when he moved out for the drive, finishing 1 1/2 lengths behind in third.

With Porter Gent in the field for the Sir Winston Churchill, there should be an honest and contested pace for Capilano Canyon to work with. He will break from post 2 with Amadeo Perez riding.

The Barbara Heads-trained Synergy was no match for Capilano Canyon in the Ascot, but he is an improved horse this year and his pedigree does suggest 1 1/16 miles should be well within his scope.

Synergy has speed but is capable of stalking. He drew the outside post and could get a nice trip sitting just off Porter Gent and Yo Zackly.

Porter Gent has been impressive in his two wins at the meet, both going 6 1/2 furlongs for trainer Christine Amman.

Following a front-running victory in a $32,000 maiden claimer July 14, Porter Gent dueled early before drawing off to win a conditioned allowance race on Aug. 2.

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Porter Gent will get tested for class in the Sir Winston Churchill, and with Yo Zackly in the field he will need to rate. Jose Gomez picks up the mount from Perez.

“He has a lot to prove,” said Amman, who exercises most of her horses.

“When I’ve been on him he doesn’t give any indication he’s one dimensional. He seems very relaxed when he’s beside or behind another horse.”

Amman, who is tied atop the trainer standings with Glen Todd, gives a lot of credit to Sara Hall for Porter Gent’s success.

“I get on him occasionally, but Sara gallops him most of the time,” she said. “She does a great job with him and all the horses she gets on for me.”