Gierkink's preview: Jackpot Hi 5 growing

Jackpot Hi 5 carryover building

The Jackpot Hi 5 carryover is $47,911 heading into the eighth race, a $10,000 maiden claimer at six furlongs. Bear’s Romeo (3-1), who is dropping from Ontario-sired maiden special company, is probably the one to fear most off a fading fifth on the grass. His entrymate Fabulous Bear, who’s stuck on the also-eligible list, is adding Lasix off a dull debut going five-eighths.

Among the other entrants are two more droppers from the Ontario-sired maiden special ranks, Two Stellas (12-1) and Hennessy Dave (6-1).

DePaulo on a roll

Trainer Mike DePaulo, who won with three of his four starters last weekend, will saddle Eighty Nine Red in the featured sixth race, the $125,000 Deputy Minister Stakes.

Eighty Nine Red carried seven fewer pounds than Flashy Margaritta when he beat him by a length July 5 in the six-furlong Achievement Stakes. In the Deputy Minister, a seven-furlong sprint for Ontario-sired 3-year-olds, the speedy Flashy Margaritta (2-1) picks up four pounds to compete under 128, while Eighty Nine Red (3-1) goes from 117 to 124.

Spadina Road (5-2) is also adding weight, going from 119 to 124 off back-to-back thirds in a pair of six-furlong stakes, including the Achievement. He rallied for second behind Flashy Margaritta in the seven-furlong Frost King Stakes in November.

Two turf races scheduled

Lane 2 for the turf this week. The course should be firm on Wednesday, even though there’s some rain in the forecast.

Off back-to-back seconds on two different surfaces, Alilaction (2-1) could break through in the third, a $50,000 maiden claimer at a mile. She is coupled in the Mike Doyle-trained entry with another contender, Actiononthegreen. Sheena Ryan, Woodbine’s top apprentice, was named on both fillies.

Madam G (5-2) is descending to an inviting spot in the fourth off a deceptively good fourth in a seven-furlong first-level allowance. That was the daughter of Giant’s Causeway’s first turf start, and she will meet $40,000 conditioned claimers here over 6 1/2 furlongs in a field with enough speed to complement her closing style

Horses to Watch

TIGER HALL
Trainer: Krista Cole
Last race: July 19, 6th
Finish: 2nd by 4 1/4
Beyer: 58
He disposed of two rivals on the front end through fast fractions before finishing a clear second in his best career performance, which came going 1 1/16 miles against $12,500 maidens. The 3-year-old seems poised to earn his diploma.