Gonzalez has pair for Victoria Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Trainer Nick Gonzalez will take two shots at Saturday’s $100,000 Victoria Stakes at Woodbine when he runs Tenacity Zip and Like What I See in the five-furlong dash for 2-year-olds.

Tenacity Zip justified his favoritism in his career debut by winning in front-running style under Jesse Campbell. His time for the 4 1/2 furlongs was a respectable 52.38 seconds. Gonzalez said he wasn’t surprised to see Tenacity Zip prevail first out.

“He was doing everything right before he ran,” Gonzalez said. “He had some good preparation in Florida. He came to us in great order and continued to do better and better. He came out of the race better than he went into it. It looks like he could go farther. It’s all positive.”

Under Emma-Jayne Wilson, Like What I See ran second to Tenacity Zip at first asking in that maiden special weight event on June 11.

“If you watch the gallop-out, he blew by [Tenacity Zip],” Gonzalez said. “He’s not big, but he’s a handy little horse. He’s been showing us good stuff since we brought him up from Kentucky. I know he’s a maiden, but we can always go back to maiden special weight company. I like the added distance for him.”

The Victoria lured a field of six and will go as race 8 on a 10-race card.

:: Get bonus PPs for Los Alamitos Race Course with purchase of any same-day PPs, July 7 - July 16

KEY CONTENDERS

Tenacity Zip, by City Zip
Beyer: 60

◗ Gonzalez said the $85,000 purchase at a Maryland yearling sale looks the part.

“The City Zips aren’t real big horses, but he’s a good size,” Gonzalez said. “He’s flashy, with four white socks and a white blaze.”

Like What I See, by Bold Warrior
Beyer: 57

◗ “I had his mother some years ago, and she was a very nice filly,” Gonzalez said. “She made the races early. I bought him privately off the breeder, Hal Snowden, who’s a good friend of mine.”

Blueblood, by City Zip
Beyer: 57

◗ He led throughout in his 4 1/2-furlong debut on May 19, covering the distance in 52.55. Trainer Mark Casse, who has won the Victoria four times, is putting him on Lasix.

Afterburner, by Take Charge Indy
Beyer: 62

◗ He has worked four consecutive bullet half-miles on the Tapeta at Presque Isle Downs since graduating there on May 21 for trainer Ron Potts.

Tigerbeach, by Treasure Beach
Beyers: 58-64

◗ He won his third outing in a five-furlong maiden special weight race on turf at Indiana Grand and is making his first start for trainer Larry Rivelli.