Eskiminzin may offer value in Clarendon Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Eskiminzin turned heads when taking his debut at 18-1, and the obscurely bred colt also could be an overlay in Saturday’s $125,000 Clarendon Stakes, a 5 1/2-furlong sprint for Ontario-bred juveniles at Woodbine.

Eskiminzin had worked well prior to his July 9 debut in a five-furlong dash for Ontario-sired maidens, in which he was devoid of speed before mounting a wide rally to win by a neck under Patrick Husbands. He then galloped out very strongly, which is certainly an indicator that longer sprints or even two-turn distances are his preference.

Trained by Analisa Delmas, Eskiminzin is the first starter for Cold Harbor, whom Delmas trained for most of his career. A son of Distorted Humor, Cold Harbor won 6 of 60 starts and nearly $400,000. Four of his victories came in claiming company.

Five others were entered in the Clarendon, including the supplemented Sent From Heaven. It goes as race 8 on a 10-race card.

KEY CONTENDERS

Eskiminzin, by Cold Harbor

Last Beyer: 46

◗ Husbands, who has won the Clarendon seven times, including in each of the past two years, retains the mount on this Jecara Farm homebred.

Differential, by Denman

Last 2 Beyers: 60-29

◗ He made both of his starts on grass for trainer Mark Casse, who has won the Clarendon five times. After a troubled fourth on yielding ground in his debut, he made two moves to win a six-furlong maiden special weight race going away on July 14.

Be Vewy Vewy Quiet, by Silent Name

Last Beyer: 41

◗ He romped at first asking in a 5 1/2-furlong maiden special, scoring by 11 1/4 lengths in a slow clocking while leaving Sent From Heaven in his wake. Trainer Robert Tiller captured the 2006 Clarendon with Spread the News.

Water Polo, by Pool Play

Last Beyer: 45

◗ He dueled through a quick opening quarter and then opened up a three-length lead at the eighth pole before getting nailed on the wire by Eskiminzin in his lone outing. The son of freshman sire Pool Play is bred to go long on top and short on the bottom of his pedigree.

Aheadbyacentury, by Midnight Lute

◗ The unraced colt, who cost $67,000 as a yearling, is the first runner for one of his owners, Bob Hunter. His trainer, John Ross, won the 2001 Clarendon with Shaws Creek. Ross recently sent out Cool Catomine to post an upset in the $500,000 Prince of Wales Stakes, the middle leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, at Fort Erie.