Gierkink's preview: Frac Daddy stands out in Dominion Day

Tuesday, July 1, Canada Day preview

Frac Daddy’s race to lose

Frac Daddy, who shipped north of the border to win the Grade 2 Eclipse Stakes here June 1, is back in town for the Grade 3 Dominion Day. The Ken McPeek-trained 4-year-old, who is the 2-5 morning-line favorite, seems invincible in the 1 1/4-mile test on Polytrack, over which he’s unbeaten. His tactical speed is one of his most effective weapons, and he should be used as a single in the late pick four on numerous tickets.

Sky Captain is arguably second-best on paper, even though his stakes form early in his career on dirt was poor. Following a one-year layoff in the spring, the Mark Casse-trained 4-year-old went unbeaten in two allowance outings on Polytrack. Ten furlongs appears to be within his range.

Pace setup key to overnight stakes

Reigning Canadian champion female sprinter Youcan’tcatchme is the speed of the $100,000 Sweet Briar Too Stakes, but the fast-working Unhedged could challenge her out front in the seven-furlong sprint.

If a speed duel materializes, the table could be set for Aunt Els or Mekong Delta. Aunt Els has run two solid races since returning from an extended layoff for new trainer Nick Gonzalez, most recently a third in the Grade 3 Hendrie Stakes. The stretch-running Mekong Delta was a charging second in the 6 1/2-furlong Hendrie. The move out to seven-eighths should be ideal for Mekong Delta since she finished second at that distance in the Grade 2 Bessarabian Stakes here Dec. 1.

No Jackpot Hi 5

There is no Jackpot Hi 5 on the ninth and final race. Wagering on the tricky bet has been suspended this week until Sunday, when there will be a mandatory payout on the $1 million Queen’s Plate itself. The carryover is $262,596.
The ninth is one of three turf races scheduled on the card, but expected thunderstorms could trigger a surface change to the Polytrack. The temporary rail is in lane 2.

Horse to Watch

TERESA’S PRIDE
Trainer: John LeBlanc Jr.
Last race: June 29, 4th
Finish: 2nd by 2 1/2
Beyer: 66
She came charging on the outside en route to finishing a clear second behind the rank outsider Ciboulette in a combo race for Ontario-sired non-winners-of-three allowance types and $40,000 non-winners-of-three claimers. Jockey Chantal Sutherland-Kruse said she moved a little sooner than she wanted to hold off the favored Sweater Weather.