High hopes for Who's Big Daddy

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Scott Fairlie has always been regarded as one of Woodbine's top claiming trainers, but his prowess in stakes in recent years has changed his reputation. He won three stakes last year with the unbeaten 2-year-old filly Cawaja Beach and was victorious in last month's Woodbine Oaks with Milwaukee Appeal.

Cawaja Beach's full brother Who's Big Daddy will try to keep the ball rolling for Fairlie on Saturday in the $150,000 Clarendon Stakes, a 5 1/2-furlong sprint for Ontario-bred 2-year-olds.

Who's Big Daddy got loose near the gate prior to his debut May 18. He was rounded up after running toward the back of the chute and went on to finish a closing second.

Who's Big Daddy broke on top and was never headed in his only other outing, another 4 1/2-furlong dash for Ontario-sired maidens June 14. He won by 2 1/4 lengths and was awarded a big 81 Beyer Speed Figure.

Fairlie said the addition of blinkers inspired Who's Big Daddy to turn on the jets in his second race.

"He's such a laid-back horse, and I knew the blinkers would wake him right up," Fairlie said.

Fairlie believes Who's Big Daddy has all the necessary tools to be a good horse.

"He's athletic and has a very powerful build to him," Fairlie said. "He's got a great disposition. After he got loose in his first race, they picked him up and brought him back and he walked in the gate like an old dog. He's more laid back than [Cawaja Beach] was when she was a 2-year-old."

Mobil Unit wound up second to Who's Big Daddy in his second start. He was a wide fourth in his only other attempt in another short dash in May.

"He ran well in both races and got some nice experience," trainer Mike Keogh said. "It seems like four and a half is a bit too short for him. He's the kind of horse who you don't want to rush him off his feet early. I'm looking forward to running him five and a half, because he'll have a little more time to get his legs under him."

Mobthewarrior rallied from midpack and drew off for an easy win when he debuted against Ontario-sired maidens June 11.

Sir Heart Throb graduated at first asking before ending up fourth in the open Victoria Stakes.