Fort Erie: Terry Husbands's five-bagger includes two stakes

FORT ERIE, Ontario – Terry Husbands rode five winners last Tuesday at Fort Erie and made it a day to remember in his young career.

Currently atop the local riding colony with 64 wins, Husbands could do no wrong on the day as the five wins included scores in the two $50,000 stakes events, the George Frostad Memorial and the Ernie Samuel Memorial.

“I had a small prayer,” said Husbands, “wishing I could win one of the two stakes, but to win them both and three other races was a dream come true. It was awesome.”

Husbands won the George Frostad aboard Grittani while setting a five-furlong track record of 56.07 seconds with the 5-year-old gelding. Grittani broke on top, opened a gap, and then was wrapped up at the wire.

In similar fashion, Husbands broke on top in the Ernie Samuel Memorial with the 6-year-old mare Time Sharing, shook off a challenge, and then took command to the wire.

Jockey Sealock injured

Jockey Regina Sealock was badly injured in the seventh race last Monday, when her mount, Stormy Keeper, fell on the turn.

Sealock, who suffered a broken femur, was scheduled to be the track ambassador for this Sunday’s “Circle the Course for Cancer” at Fort Erie. Recovering in her hospital bed, she passed on her regrets at being unable to lead the event. Sealock has 772 career wins.

Lots of speed in Duty Free Cup

Another highlight on this Sunday’s card will be the $30,000 Duty Free Cup for Ontario-sired 3-year-olds and up who have started at Fort Erie at least three times this season.

Scheduled as the eighth race on the card, the 6 1/2-furlong Duty Free Cup has drawn 10 entries. There is a good amount of speed, and the race could very well set up for an off-the-pace runner.

Molinaro Warrior, trained by Ross Armata, has been freshened for this try, and a winning effort would take his career bankroll to more than $200,000. The 5-year-old gelding has tactical speed and could settle just off the pace before making his move under jockey Robert Dacosta.

One of the speedballs in this event is Grant’s Love, a 6-year-old gelding trained by Fenella Semple-Braun.

Grant’s Love has won three times in eight starts this season and loves to do battle on the front end. He cuts back from a game route try in his last start to this sprint event, and the distance should suit. Juan Crawford gets the call.

Two weeks ago, trainer Daryl Ezra sent out Delaforce, who came flying home to get up at the wire in the 1 1/16-mile Puss N Boots Cup on the turf. The challenge for Delaforce and rider Martin Ramirez in the Duty Free Cup will be the change in surface and distance. A winner of more than $400,000 lifetime, this 7-year-old gelding will need to find his best gear much earlier in this event.

Another top contender is Explosive Greek, a hard-knocking sprinter who has won three of six starts this season for trainer Richard Davis.

Explosive Greek is very quick and usually gets the first call out of the gate, so he will be the one to catch. Kirk Johnson will be in the saddle.