Gierkink: Woodbine horses to watch for week of April 17
WHYAGOTTOBETHATWAY
Trainer: Robert Smith
Last race: April 16, 10th
Finish: 2nd by three-quarters
Beyer: 60
After missing the break, he came charging from eighth to finish second at 31-1, in his first outing in six months. If he doesn’t run back too quickly, then he should be dangerous in another non-winners of three sprint.
LEAVEM IN MALIBU
Trainer: Mark Casse
Last race: April 16, 1st
Finish: 3rd by 7 3/4
Beyer: 66
Leaving from the rail, he gave the others about a five-length head-start and then mounted a wide bid from last before galloping out well when debuting in a maiden special weight sprint. This full brother to the Grade 1-placed Danzig Moon is bred to go long, and could graduate on the stretch-out.
FIELD OF COURAGE
Trainer: Mark Casse
Last race: Aug. 16, 9th
Finish: 7th by 12 1/2
Beyer: 78
The stakes-placed 4-year-old has been working up a storm for his return from an extended layoff. On April 17, he rallied along the rail to collar two stablemates before completing five-eighths in a snappy 58 seconds on the Tapeta. It was the fastest of 86 works at the distance.