Gierkink's review: Frac Daddy a Polytrack freak

Sunday, June 1 review

Eclipse Stakes one-horse race

Belmont shipper Frac Daddy was pounded down to 2-5 in the early wagering for the Grade 2 Eclipse Stakes, and eventually drifted up to 4-5 at post time before stamping himself as a Polytack freak by crushing an accomplished local contingent.

With Luis Contreras aboard, Frac Daddy pressed Really Sharp along the inside through moderate fractions in the 1 1/16-mile route. He took control on the far turn, and then drew off in the stretch to prevail by five lengths over Really Sharp, who nosed out last year’s Canadian champion older male Alpha Bettor for second. The final time of 1:42.74 was .52 off the Polytrack record, and it translated into a 100 Beyer Figure for Frac Daddy.

Frac Daddy is now 3 for 3 on Polytrack. Trainer Ken McPeek said the 5-year-old could return here for the Grade 3 Dominion Day Stakes July 1, when he should find the 10-furlong distance to his liking.

Apprentice Ryan heating up

Sheena Ryan won her third race of the weekend in the second on 6-1 shot Executive Class. She is Woodbine’s leading apprentice, with seven wins from 60 mounts, and has been riding well on the front end of late.

Contreras and Patrick Husbands both scored twice on the card. Contreras leads the standings by a 38-33 margin over Eurico Da Silva. Husbands (29), Justin Stein (21) and Jesse Campbell (18) round out the top five.

HORSES TO WATCH

CHARLIE’S WISDOM

Trainer: Nick Gonzalez
Last race: June 1, 1st
Finish: 3rd by 6 1/4
Beyer: 39
In a small field of debuting 2-year-olds, he missed the break by about three lengths before closing from far back in a 4 1/2-furlong maiden special dominated by the front-running favorite. His trainer sports superb numbers with maiden second-timers since the beginning of 2013.

HES A SLY ONE

Trainer: Norm McKnight
Last race: June 1, 5th
Finish: 5th by 5 3/4
Beyer: 59
He battled through fast fractions and prevailed in the duel before tiring in the final furlong of a 1 1/16-mile maiden special. He lost his rider in his first start back from an extended layoff May 11, so this deceptively good race should set him up nicely for the next one.