Gierkink's preview: Breeding points out possible upsetters
There are several 2-year-old fillies going long for the first time in the second race on Friday who are bred for the task at hand. Several could be competitive at juicy prices in the Ontario-sired maiden special at 1 1/16 miles.
Modus Operandi (6-1 on the morning line) is by Breeders’ Stakes winner Marchfield, who has gotten off to a slow start at stud this year, his freshman season. Modus Operandi's dam was a route winner, and she’s thrown a router from two starters. Modus Operandi has yet to perform to her solid works. She was a well-beaten favorite in her debut, and sixth in her only other outing.
Niigon’s Song (3-1), a daughter of Queen’s Plate winner Niigon, is the second foal from an unraced mare who’s a half-sister Eternal Search Stakes winner Niigon’s Touch. Niigon's Song missed the break before closing on her left lead for third in her seven-furlong opener, and is going on Lasix.
Radiant Star (12-1) is by the decent Ontario sire Strut the Stage, a stamina influence. Her dam was a sprinter, but two of her dam's three route starters were victorious. Radiant Star raced wide over an inside-favoring track when fifth in the Aug. 27 Muskoka Stakes, and had a wide journey after getting away slowly when she disappointed in a subsequent maiden special.
Dream Brew (15-1), who finished up the track in her only start, is by leading Ontario sire Milwaukee Brew and out of an Empire Maker mare.
Money Talker heads turf feature
Lane 3 will be used for turf races, and the course should be a little giving following heavy rain earlier in the week.
Off a close third in the Grade 2 Sky Classic Stakes in August, Money Talker (6-5) is the one to knock off in race 3, a third-level optional claimer which will be contested over the Sky Classic distance of 10 furlongs on turf. Money Talker won a second-level allowance convincingly going 11 furlongs in July, and his weak effort on the Polytrack last out is a throwout. Jesse Campbell will ride the Stronach Stable-owned 5-year-old again for trainer Sid Attard.
DRF FORMULATOR FACT: Attard has won at an 18 percent clip with synthetic or turf starters during the last five years, with a return on investment of $2.31.
Horses to Watch
MILLIONINTHEMAKING
Trainer: Abraham Katryan
Last race: Oct. 8, 2nd
Finish: 2nd by 1/2
Beyer: 73
Fresh off a decisive non-winners-of-two tally, he met much tougher non-winners-of-three opposition in this $20,000 contest, and ran the race of his life by mounting a five-wide rally from seventh over a speed-friendly surface.