Dominion Day distance suits Melmich
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – The long-winded Melmich will stretch out to 1 1/4 miles on the holiday Friday card at Woodbine in the $150,000 Dominion Day Stakes.
Under the guidance of trainer Kevin Attard, Melmich rose through the ranks last year, winning at the first two allowance conditions and a starter allowance before taking the restricted Elgin Stakes over Pender Harbour. He peaked in November, when he captured the allowance prep for the Grade 3 Valedictory Stakes before landing the 1 3/4-mile Valedictory itself by 10 1/4 lengths over a quality field.
Melmich pressed a slow pace before weakening to third when he came off the sidelines May 28 here in the Grade 2 Eclipse Stakes. Attard said he was happy with the former claimer’s comeback performance in that 1 1/16-mile race.
“We were hoping not to have to start him up in the Eclipse, but unfortunately, nothing else popped up,” Attard said. “I thought he ran really well for his first race. It was at the time when the track was a bit tiring, and horses struggled over it. He came out of it well and has had some great works coming into this race.”
The Grade 3 Dominion Day heads a nine-race program that also includes an overnight stakes, the $100,000 Zadracarta, a seven-furlong sprint for Ontario-sired fillies and mares.
KEY CONTENDERS
Melmich, by Wilko
Last 3 Beyers: 95-102-95
◗ Attard said that Melmich excels over longer route distances.
“I think the farther he goes, the better he is,” Attard said. “Obviously, a mile and a quarter isn’t an issue for him. We’ve been gearing up for this race. We’re pretty excited.”
Red Rifle, by Giant’s Causeway
Last 3 Beyers: 94-88-90
◗ The Saratoga shipper won last year’s Dominion Day before winning the Grade 2 Bowling Green but is winless in his last six starts on turf or dirt. Perhaps a return to synthetics will put the Todd Pletcher-trained 6-year-old back on the right track.
Breaking Lucky, by Lookin At Lucky
Last 3 Beyers: 97-92-91
◗ Last year’s Prince of Wales Stakes winner has started three times this year. After back-to-back thirds in dirt stakes in the United States, he was a good second in the Eclipse.
◗ He has worked regularly on the training track leading up to this and looks to be a major player.
War Dancer, by War Front
Last 3 Beyers: 92-87-97
◗ The Bill Mott-trained grass expert won his only start this year, which came in a second-level optional claimer at Gulfstream in April.
◗ He could lead the way under Edgar Prado.