Hard Edge formidable in allowance sprint – if she's ready

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Late bloomer Hard Edge makes her 4-year-old debut in Saturday’s co-featured 10th race at Woodbine. She’s the fastest runner in the first-level allowance, and only her readiness is in question as she meets eight other fillies and mares in the 5 1/2-furlong sprint.

Hard Edge fought for the lead before giving way late to the fast-closing winner Dreidel when debuting in a 6 1/2-furlong maiden special Sept. 25. After ending up third in a seven-furlong maiden special three weeks later, she finished a close second in a six-furlong maiden special Nov. 6.

Hard Edge put it all together in her 2021 finale. Instead of her customary position fighting for the lead, she stalked in second early en route to a hard-fought score as the favorite. She earned an 86 Beyer Speed Figure in that 6 1/2-furlong maiden special, easily the highest in Saturday’s field.

Eswan Flores will get a leg up from trainer Stuart Simon on Hard Edge, a daughter of Hard Spun owned and bred by Chiefswood Stables. She shows six local breezes on her work tab, including five-eighths in 59.40 seconds on the Tapeta on April 17.

“She showed good progression in each race,” Simon said. “She didn’t go to Florida, but she did run late [last year] and started training on the farm the first of February. She’s had quite a bit of training and quite a few works. I think she’s pretty ready. Hopefully, she’ll take another step forward this year and put herself in with those better fillies.”

:: For the first time ever, our premium past performances are free! Get free Formulator now!

Trainer Mark Casse sends out the Japanese-bred 3-year-old Cardio Princess, who made all three of her starts on the grass.

Cardio Princess won her five-furlong debut on the inner turf course here in August before coming up empty after setting the pace in the Grade 1 Natalma in September. When she returned from a six-month absence March 26 at Gulfstream, she checked in seventh in a sprint stakes.

Cardio Princess is making her first start with Lasix under Rafael Hernandez, who was aboard for her maiden win.

Trainer Marty Drexler claimed Destinique for $16,000 on Feb. 2 at Gulfstream, when the daughter of Munnings finished third. She has been idle since another third going long there on the Tapeta on March 3, which came in a $20,000 starter allowance.

Hai Bobbi rallied for second behind the favored Join the Dance when launching her campaign in a 6 1/2-furlong allowance here April 23.

Saturday’s other first-level allowance sprint drew a field of five 3-year-olds, including Queen’s Plate nominees Duke of Love, Lament, and Warp Drive.

Duke of Love won his debut, which came on the Tapeta here Nov. 14, and has been idle since ending up fifth in a Dec. 3 turf stakes at Gulfstream.