Goodoldhockeygame should be rolling late in Achievement Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Following last week’s death of hockey legend Gordie Howe, it would be appropriate to see Goodoldhockeygame prevail in Saturday’s $150,000 Achievement Stakes at Woodbine.

Goodoldhockeygame, a 4-year-old owned by Frank DiGiulio Jr., became one of the leading sprinters on the grounds last fall. After notching the restricted Overskate Stakes on Sept. 19, he won the allowance prep for the Kennedy Road Stakes before closing for third after getting slammed at the break in the Grade 2 Kennedy Road itself.

On April 23, following a winter vacation, Goodoldhockeygame rallied for second after awaiting room in the New Providence Stakes. Most recently, he wound up third in the Grade 3 Vigil Stakes over seven furlongs, the distance of the Overskate.

Ten other Ontario-breds were entered in the six-furlong Achievement, including 2014 Canadian champion male sprinter Calgary Cat. It is carded as race 8 on a 10-race program.

KEY CONTENDERS

Goodoldhockeygame, by Old Forester

Last 3 Beyers: 96-92-94

◗ There is ample speed for him to chase, and he figures to come home firing with a clean trip. He should go favored under Patrick Husbands, who has won the Achievement thrice.

◗ Trainer Bob Tiller, who has one Achievement victory on his résumé, took last Saturday’s Bold Ruckus Stakes with Songs and Laughter.

Calgary Cat, by Cowtown Cat

Last 3 Beyers: 82-83-96

◗ He won the 2015 Achievement and Jacques Cartier stakes but may have lost a step this year. After bypassing the Jacques Cartier and Vigil, he finished third as the heavy favorite in his season debut in a third-level optional claimer May 21.

Parise, by Tiznow

Last 3 Beyers: 102-103-69

◗ The speedy 6-year-old is making his first start for trainer Reade Baker. There are huge gaps in his past performances, and he’s been idle since losing a heartbreaker to Calgary Cat in last year’s Jacques Cartier.

Black Hornet, by Pioneering

Last 3 Beyers: 85-93-90

◗ The quick gelding went to the sidelines after leading all the way in the 2015 Vigil and was a tiring fourth after a one-year layoff in this year’s Vigil.

Bear No Joke, by It’s No Joke

Last 3 Beyers: 86-93-86

◗ The durable veteran is jumping up off the $40,000 claim by trainer Norm McKnight, who’s been scoring at a 27 percent clip the first time off the claim. He has been win-shy in recent years but could be rejuvenated after working two straight bullets.

Seffeara, by Old Forester

Last 3 Beyers: 85-84-73

◗ He defeated Calgary Cat and Sorry About That after an ideal stalking trip in that May 21 optional event.