Gierkink's preview: Will Go Greeley bounce back in Queenston Stakes?

Queenston Stakes

The $150,000 Queenston Stakes, a seven-furlong stakes for Canadian-bred 3-year-olds, is an early prep for the $1 million Queen’s Plate, but reigning Canadian champion 2-year-old Go Greeley isn’t under consideration for that 10-furlong tilt. Go Greeley was a work or two short for his seasonal bow in the six-furlong Woodstock Stakes, in which he finished a distant third. Owner-trainer John Ross believes that the large colt is ready for the Queenston after a pair of six-furlong drills.

Morning line favorite Speightsong drew well on the outside in the seven-horse field, a post from which his tactical speed should come in handy. After running hot and cold on the dirt in his two winter excursions, he showed that he can handle the Polytrack while romping in a seven-furlong allowance here April 27. The son of champion sprinter Speightstown is a half-brother to 2013 Canadian Horse of the Year Up With the Birds. Trainer Malcolm Pierce thinks the Sam-Son Farm homebred could have distance limitations.

Trainer Bob Tiller, who has won the Queenston four times, sends out two unbeaten horses, Tulio’s Brew and The Imposter, along with 7-2 third choice Spadina Road.

Eighty Nine Red is also in with a shot off an opening day allowance score where he earned a 75 Beyer Speed Figure.

Pivotal seventh race

The seventh race caps the early pick four and begins the second one. Favored Hillaby returns from an extended layoff in the seven-furlong maiden special, but the lightly raced daughter of Distorted Humor and champion Sealy Hill could make her 4-year-old bow a winning one with blinkers on.

She was competitive against some salty opposition in her two starts, most notably the future stakes winners Coffee Clique and Native Bombshell.

The entries of Netti Sioux and Pageantry also are worth a look. Netti Sioux has worked quickly for her season opener, while Pageantry can improve off her dull comeback at Keeneland.

10th race jackpot

With a Jackpot Hi 5 carryover of $99,000 up for grabs, I fancy the comebackers Rexton and Sparrowhawk in this Ontario-sired allowance sprint. Rexton is a juicy 8-1 on the morning line, while Sparrowhawk is the 5-2 chalk.