Frac Daddy tries to remain perfect on Polytrack in Dominion Day

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – The Polytrack freak Frac Daddy scared off a few potential rivals in Tuesday’s Dominion Day Stakes. The $150,000 Canada Day feature attracted just four others, who will cover 1 1/4 miles in the Grade 3 fixture.

Frac Daddy, based in Kentucky with trainer Ken McPeek, is 3 for 3 on Polytrack, which included a blowout score in the Grade 3 Ben Ali at Keeneland in April. After ending up fourth in the Grade 1 Man o’ War on the grass at Belmont May 11, Frac Daddy dominated a quality local contingent in the Grade 2 Eclipse Stakes June 1.

With Luis Contreras aboard, Frac Daddy tracked Really Sharp along the inside through moderate fractions in the 1 1/16-mile Eclipse. He assumed command on the far turn, and then drew off to prevail by five lengths. His final time of 1:42.74 was just .52 second off the Polytrack record, and it translated into a 100 Beyer Speed Figure.

“I got a little pressure on the rail, but he was nice and comfortable,” Contreras said. “He was in tight, but didn’t care. He had a nice kick from the quarter pole. I think the farther the race, probably the better he goes. He really loves Polytrack.”

Trainer Malcolm Pierce entered Sam-Son Farm’s His Race to Win, but was noncommittal about running last year’s Grade 3 Ontario Derby winner.

“I’m only 50-50 on running,” Pierce said. “It will be determined on field size, and I don’t know if we want to look at Frac Daddy again. A mile and a quarter might be a little beyond his best distance. I have some other options.”

Trainer Mark Casse sends out Sky Captain and Patrioticandproud. Peyton completes the lineup.

◗ Trainer Danny Vella bypassed the Dominion Day with last year’s champion older male in Canada, Alpha Bettor, who was a well-beaten third in the race last year.

“I don’t know that a mile and a quarter is his best trip,” Vella said. “He would have to carry 126 pounds, and give [Frac Daddy] three pounds. If it was at a mile and a sixteenth or a mile and an eighth where he’s at his best, probably, but a mile and a quarter doesn’t work for me.”

◗ Tuesday’s $100,000 Sweet Briar Too lured nine fillies and mares, including last year’s Canadian champion female sprinter, Youcan’tcatchme, who is returning from a freshening.

Other protagonists in the seven-furlong overnight stakes include Mekong Delta, Northern Passion, and Aunt Els.