Ghostly Presence tries to build on debut in Ontario Debutante

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Ghostly Presence, a promising Chiefswood Stable homebred, is one of four one-start winners in a field of six for Saturday’s $125,000 Ontario Debutante, a six-furlong stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Woodbine.

Ghostly Presence debuted in the pouring rain here Aug. 13. She went straight to the front and never looked back in that six-furlong maiden special weight race, scoring by eight lengths with a 67 Beyer Speed Figure.

Ghostly Presence is by the hot Ghostzapper and out of the unraced Distorted Humor mare Five N Forty.

“I’ve always been very high on her,” said Chiefswood general manager Robert Landry. “We expected her to run a big race first time out, but she ran a little better than I thought she would. I quite liked her mother. She never made it to the races, but she showed me some signs that she could run.”

The Ontario Debutante goes as race 8 on a 10-race program.

KEY CONTENDERS

Ghostly Presence, by Ghostzapper

Beyer: 67

◗ Trainer Roger Attfield sent her out to breeze a half-mile in 47.80 seconds on Wednesday.

“She did it easy enough,” said Landry. “We’re hoping that she runs well and goes on to bigger and better things. She does everything you ask her to do. She wants to be a racehorse. She’s got that attitude. She looks the part. She was a late foal, but she’s come along pretty quick.”

Let It Ride Mom, by Into Mischief

Beyer: 67

◗ The Mark Casse-trained bay could be favored off a gutsy victory in a key six-furlong maiden special July 16. Runner-up Tapa Tapa Tapa came right back to earn her diploma before doubling up in the allowance prep for the Natalma Stakes. Third-place finisher Spring Tempest subsequently graduated in the restricted Muskoka Stakes.

Just Be Kind, by Sky Mesa

Beyer: 69

◗ She was a professional debut winner going five-eighths here Aug. 27. After getting bumped at the break, she saved ground in fifth on the turn and then rallied in the 4 path late to prevail over the well-regarded Afleet Doll.

Brave Autumn Rose, by Silent Name

Beyer: 42

◗ On a steamy day Aug. 12, she won a five-furlong maiden special for Ontario-sired fillies by two lengths as the heavy favorite.

Historical Tablet, by First Dude

Last 3 Beyers: 67-52-50

◗ With the addition of Lasix, she crushed optional-claiming opposition at Presque Isle Downs on Aug. 18 in her fourth start.

Happy Is Lucky, by Giant Gizmo

Beyers: 51-60-38

◗ She graduated on the Tapeta here second time out and is coming off a wide fifth over yielding turf in the restricted Shady Well Stakes.