Goldstryke Glory tries to stay unbeaten on turf in Royal North
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Goldstryke Glory will look to extend her unbeaten run on turf and record her first graded stakes victory when she takes on a quick group of nine fillies and mares in Sunday’s Grade 3, $150,000 Royal North Stakes at Woodbine.
Goldstryke Glory woke up when switching to turf in the prep for the Royal North on July 5 after two losses as a heavy favorite in Polytrack sprints to start the year. She is now 2 for 2 on grass.
“I would have hated coming into this race not winning a race and getting her confidence back,” said trainer Kelly Callaghan. “She certainly got it after the prep race, so we’re quite happy with how she’s doing.”
The six-furlong Royal North attracted several fillies who have flashed early speed in prior races, which could put Goldstryke Glory in a quick early scramble for the lead. Although Goldstryke Glory has shown speed in a number of her races, Callaghan said she thinks her filly can be rated if required.
“She’s a very rateable horse,” Callaghan said. “When she gets behind horses, she relaxes. She always has in the morning breezing. She’s definitely not as speed crazy as she makes herself look in these races.”
Callaghan said she believes turf is Goldstryke Glory’s best surface, but she knows her filly is going to have to be at the top of her game Sunday.
“I think this is going to be her toughest race to date by the sounds of it,” she said. “She seems to get that lead so easy, but there haven’t been horses that have been able to go with her. These horses aren’t going to let her get away with what she’s been getting away with.”
Royal North Stakes, Race 7
KEY CONTENDERS
Goldstryke Glory (Last 3 Beyers: 82-67-71)
◗ Formulator Fact: Callaghan has sent out just 99 starters in her six-year training career but is at 50 percent from eight starters in turf sprints over the past five years, with a return on investment of $5.31.
Ageless (Last 3 Beyers: 89-92-90)
◗ Ageless will be coming from off of the pace and could benefit the most should the early pace collapse.
◗ Formulator Fact: Trainer Arnaud Delacour is at 23 percent from 111 starters with shippers over the past five years, with an ROI of $2.23.
Richies Party Girl (Last 3 Beyers: 91-70-90)
◗ Richies Party Girl is 4 for 6 on turf, including a win in her only start over six furlongs.
◗ Formulator Fact: Trainer Wesley Ward has won with 23 percent of his 91 starters at Woodbine over the past five years but has a negative ROI of $1.13.