Gierkink: Woodbine horses to watch

MISS METROPOLITAN
Trainer: Ralph Biamonte
Last race: July 16, 8th
Finish: third by one and one-quarter
Beyer: 74
She awaited room late on the turn before closing for third in the one-mile Ontario Damsel Stakes. Expect her to be a factor in the 10-furlong Wonder Where Stakes, the final leg of the Canadian Triple Tiara.

PAST THE STARS
Trainer: Ricky Griffith
Last race: July 16, third
Finish: 2nd by three
Beyer: 28
After breaking awkwardly from the outside, the debuting 2-year-old made his way to the rail and then mounted a belated rally before galloping out strongly vs. $40,000 maidens.

FLASHY VAL
Trainer: Nick Gonzalez
Last race: July 16, 6th
Finish: fourth by four and three-quarters
Beyer: 59
She had worked nicely prior to her debut, in which she led until mid-stretch before tiring in a maiden special weight sprint on the grass. She should be better for the experience, and probably wouldn’t mind a surface switch to the Tapeta.

-- Ron Gierkink