Her Majesty's Flag finds a good spot in Etobicoke Stakes
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Duchess Stakes winner Her Majesty’s Flag will return to Polytrack in search of her second stakes win of the Woodbine meet in Sunday’s $100,000 Etobicoke Stakes, an overnight stakes for 3-year-old fillies going six furlongs that has attracted just five entrants.
After winning the Duchess with a stalking trip two starts back July 19, Her Majesty’s Flag tried turf for the second time in the Grade 3 Ontario Colleen Stakes on Aug. 22, finishing fourth behind Don’t Leave Me.
“She came out of the race great,” trainer David Cotey said. “She had no excuse whatsoever. She was back a little farther than she should have been, but she handled the grass fine.”
KEY CONTENDERS
Her Majesty’s Flag (Last 3 Beyers: 72-76-36)
◗ There appears to be plenty of early speed in the Etobicoke, which could set up nicely for Her Majesty’s Flag.
“This is a good spot for her,” Cotey said. “I figured this would come up a little light. There’s a ton of speed in there, and she can sit back and take a run at them. She’s doing really well.”
Elusive Collection (Beyer: 98)
◗ She debuted with a 98 Beyer Speed Figure against open maidens over six furlongs under jockey Luis Contreras on Aug. 9. Her work tab looks as if she hasn’t missed a beat after that first start, as she’s recorded two sharp breezes, including a five-furlong move in 59.20 seconds on the main track here Aug. 27. She’ll be adding Lasix for this start.
Ready for Romance (Last 3 Beyers: 83-78-61)
◗ She’s unbeaten in three career starts and recorded her first stakes win last time out on turf in the Ontario Damsel Stakes. She figures to be one of the pace players in this small field.
Pohdi Pohdi (Last 3 Beyers: 74-70-74)
◗ She won the Passing Mood Stakes over seven furlongs on grass but has lost the lead late in her last two starts at that distance on the Polytrack. Shortening up to six furlongs in this spot should be to her benefit.
Green Doctor (Last 3 Beyers: 56-79-70)
◗ After a couple of tries in turf stakes, she’ll also shorten up to six furlongs on Polytrack. She’s unbeaten in three career starts at this distance on Polytrack and is another in here who figures to be a part of the early pace scenario.