Gierkink's preview: Phil's Dream looks like solid single
Phil’s Dream a pick four key
Phil’s Dream, Canada’s reigning champion sprinter, is the worthy 4-5 morning line favorite in the $125,000 Shepperton Stakes, and he will be a single on numerous late pick four tickets.
Phil’s Dream hasn’t lost an Ontario-sired stakes since he finished a flat fourth in the 2013 Shepperton. His recent form features two stakes triumphs and a closing second to Something Extra in the Grade 2 Highlander on grass.
Paso Doble (5-2), last year’s Shepperton winner, could be the main threat. He placed in all three of his outings at the meet, without finding the mark, which included a close second in the allowance prep for the Highlander.
“This is the best he’s been,” said Mark Fournier, who began training the stocky 8-year-old early this year.
Sniper (6-1) owns the second-highest recent Beyer Speed Figures in the six-horse field. His last victory took place in a Dec. 22 optional claimer at Turfway.
Citius (10-1) was supplemented for $2,500 by trainer Ralph Biamonte. Citius upset Phil’s Dream when Phil’s Dream made his season debut in the allowance prep for the New Providence Stakes, but the durable closer is coming off a flat fifth in a $50,000 claimer.
Jackpot Hi 5 carryover building
The Jackpot Hi 5 carryover is up to $127,354 heading into the ninth and final race.
With the temporary rail on the turf out in lane 5, Shezafirecracker (8-1) should have an advantage after breaking from the one-hole in the 6 1/2-furlong maiden special. Her new rider, Eurico Da Silva, can put her on the point, and she may never look back if able to handle a little cut in the ground.
Other protagonists in the ninth include the outside three horses, Flaming Katherine (3-1), Pleasure (8-1), and Rejoiceful (4-1). Pleasure is sent out by trainer Joan Scott, a newcomer here this year, whose horses have improved after some local racing experience.
Horse to Watch
ICE FESTIVAL
Trainer: Brian Lynch
Last race: Aug. 3, 2nd
Finish: 5th by 6 3/4
The debuting Stronach Stable runner was bet down to 2-1 favoritism in a six-furlong maiden special, but she appeared to spin her wheels over giving turf during a five-wide trip. This daughter of Awesome Again is bred to run long on either local surface.