It's hard to knock Spring Waltz

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Stronach Stable runners are often overbet at Woodbine, which will likely be the case with Spring Waltz in Thursday's feature. There aren't many runners in the $62,500 optional claimer who have a legitimate shot to beat her, and she's certainly a deserving favorite in the 1 1/16-mile Polytrack race.

Spring Waltz closed strongly to take her seven-furlong debut in June, becoming a rare first-out winner for trainer Brian Lynch. She subsequently ran second in an allowance going 1 1/16 miles, earning an 83 Beyer Speed Figure.

Spring Waltz cleared her first allowance condition when going long Aug. 11, beating a decent field that included Tell It as It Is. Most recently in a second-level allowance, she came from farther back than usual to end up second as the favorite.

Corey Fraser retains the mount on Spring Waltz, a daughter of Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm and Grade 2 stakes winner Relaxing Rhythm.

Archie's Gal had a productive 2006 campaign, winning 3 of 8 starts and $185,505. She has maintained respectable form this year, and won a similar $62,500 optional claimer June 24 over Elkhart, a horse who defeated Spring Waltz on Sept 15.

Archie's Gal was claimed by trainer Lorne Richards for owner K.K. Sangara for $62,500 in August. They sent her out in the Sept. 3 Algoma Stakes to substitute for their stable star, champion Financingavailable, and she finished a flat fourth.

Archie's Gal runs with a $60,000 tag on Thursday.

Yousaidido was claimed for $50,000 last year by trainer Stanley Baresich, who has won three races with her. She was disqualified from first for interference at the break in a $62,500 claimer July 26, and then captured a first-level allowance on the grass Aug. 22.

Yousaidido is coming off a fourth-place finish against 3-year-old fillies in the La Lorgnette Stakes, where she earned a subpar 68 Beyer.

Pleasant Amelia has hit the board in four consecutive $62,000 optional claimers, all on the grass. Her best of three efforts on Polytrack was a third-place finish in October 2006.

Baroness has won three of her last five outings, while climbing the ladder. She dusted weak allowance rivals two races ago, but was a non-factor most recently on turf in the Flaming Page Stakes.

Real Candy is winless since her triumph in the 2006 British Columbia BC Oaks.