Final Redemption switches to Polytrack in route feature
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – The stakes-placed shipper Final Redemption makes her first start on Polytrack on Friday at Woodbine in a first-level allowance route for fillies and mares.
Final Redemption, a 4-year-old by Hard Spun, made all five of her previous starts on grass at five different venues. After landing her debut last July at Belmont, she finished second in the Tenski Stakes at Saratoga but could only manage a fourth over soft ground next time out in the Grade 3 Pucker Up Stakes at Arlington.
Final Redemption was favored in the Carotene Stakes here Oct. 13, but she checked in second to a peaking Llanarmon. Following a six-month absence, she wound up seventh after a stalking trip in a first-level allowance April 11 at Keeneland.
Patrick Husbands, who rode Final Redemption in the Carotene, has the mount for trainer Graham Motion.
The featured eighth race lured six others, who will square off at 1 1/16 miles for a base purse of $58,600. The Ontario-bred Final Redemption runs for an extra $11,700.
KEY CONTENDERS
Final Redemption (Last 3 Beyers: 73-81-76)
◗ She was a beaten favorite in each of her last three outings and is worth playing against at a chalky price, even though her half-sister Blue Heart won the Bison City Stakes here on Polytrack.
Leading Edge (Last 3 Beyers: 73-66-40)
◗ The 3-year-old daughter of Tapit faded to sixth after making a wide bid to lead in the stretch of an allowance over soft turf in her first start of the year April 10 at Keeneland.
◗ Her Polytrack form here last year included a respectable fourth-place finish in the rich Princess Elizabeth Stakes, which came up fairly tough.
Charming Delilah (Last 3 Beyers: 79-73-62)
◗ After placing in each of her first two excursions here in the fall, she romped in her second Gulfstream appearance in a maiden special weight race on dirt March 20. Is she a dirt specialist or a late bloomer who’s just coming into her own? That’s what handicappers must ponder when sizing up her chances.
Hidden Turn (Last 3 Beyers: 75-72-79)
◗ She earned her keep on grass over the winter at Gulfstream without finding the mark. A month ago, she was a hard-trying second there in an optional starter behind Miss Tatey Cat, who subsequently won an allowance here.
Spot a Kiss (Last 3 Beyers: 60-62-65)
◗ She was competitive in claiming company on dirt at Gulfstream for trainer Mike De Paulo, who has given the call to leading rider Alan Garcia.