Five Grade 1 winners in International

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Electrocutionist, who looms the favorite and the horse to beat in Sunday's Grade 1 , will face nine rivals in the richest running of Woodbine's 1 1/2-mile turf showpiece.

The Canadian International, increased in value by $500,000 to $2 million this year, attracted a field of 10, announced at a ceremonial draw here Thursday.

Electrocutionist, who is trained by Valfredo Valiani and will be ridden by Mick Kinane, will begin from post 3 in a race where starting position figures to be of little import.

"It's no big deal," said Valiani. "He's a horse who can run anywhere. He'd like a bit of pace, but if there is no pace he can do it in front."

Owned by Earle Mack, Electrocutionist is one of five Group 1 or Grade 1 winners in a very strong renewal of the Canadian International.

King's Drama, trained by Bobby Frankel, finished fifth in the Canadian International last year but is a much-improved runner this time around.

John Velazquez has the call on King's Drama, who won the Grade 1 Sword Dancer at Saratoga this summer and figures to be the second or third favorite here.

Yeats, hailing from the powerful stable of Irish-based Aidan O'Brien, should also attract strong support off his score in the Group 1 Coronation Cup at 1 1/2 miles this June. Kieren Fallon retains the mount.

King's Drama drew post 7, while Yeats will begin from post 9.

Grey Swallow, winner of the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup at The Curragh this May, will be looking for soft going under regular rider Pat Smullen.

Simonas, second to Sulamani in last year's Canadian International, is the other European invader in the lineup.

Meteor Storm, winner of the Grade 1 Manhattan at Belmont last June, and Relaxed Gesture, who finished just behind King's Drama in their last two encounters, complete the American contingent.

Rounding out the field will be local representatives Strut the Stage, Jambalaya, and Last Answer, all of whom figure to be healthy prices.

The Grade 1, $1 million E.P. Taylor Stakes and the Grade 2, $500,000 Nearctic are also on Sunday's card.