Gierkink's preview: Jackpot Hi 5 carryover reaches $244,421

Woodbine announced Friday that the Jackpot Hi 5 will have a mandatory payout on the $1 million Queen’s Plate itself. After Sunday, wagering will be suspended on the wager until the July 6 Plate, and the carryover heading into the 10th race Sunday is $244,421.

Lighthouse Sound and O Wanderlust are among the protagonists in the $32,000 claimer, which is scheduled for 1 1/16 miles in lane 2 on the grass. Lighthouse Sound hasn’t found the mark since he was in peak form here last June, but the 7-year-old was along for second behind the gate-to-wire winner Power Phil in a recent $40,000 seller.

O Wanderlust covered a lot more ground than Lighthouse Sound while closing wide for third June 4, when a tardy start also hindered his chances. Chantal Sutherland-Kruse retains the mount on him for the hot trainer John Mattine, which has been a fairly productive combo.

Zadracarta Stakes

Why Katherine sticks out on recent form in this seven-furlong overnight stakes, which she nearly won last year, but her 0-for-8 record over Woodbine’s roomy turf course is cause for some concern. Yes, she does prefer a traditional infield layout like the one at Gulfstream, but she was only beaten a half-length by last year’s champion female grasser, Solid Appeal, when second in last month’s Grade 2 Nassau Stakes.

Northern Passion, who won the 2013 Zadracarta, is expected to be withdrawn, leaving Spring in the Air as the lone Mark Casse-trained entrant. Spring in the Air finished second in each of her turf starts in stakes – last year’s Wonder Where and in the Grade 2 Natalma in 2012.

My longshot play is Kay’s Grace, who has worked brilliantly since closing for second in an Ontario-sired allowance with no conditions May 30. Her lone grass effort last fall was forgettable, but it led to a layoff, and she’s back on her game now following a disappointing 2013 campaign that saw her struggle in just two outings.

Horse to watch

MISS GIACOMO
Trainer: Dave Cotey
Last race: June 28, 9th
Finish: 6th by 4 1/2

She lacked room through most of the stretch and was steadied with about a furlong left before backing up in a $32,000 grass route. With clear sailing, she would have been right there, and she’s worth a serious look if she runs back in another claimer on the lawn.