Johnny Bear heads local nominations for Canadian International
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ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Nominations for the Grade 1, $800,000 Canadian International on Oct. 15 have been announced, and Grade 1 Northern Dancer Turf Stakes winner Johnny Bear leads the list of locals.
Johnny Bear and Northern Dancer Turf Stakes fourth-place finisher Seeking Albert were the only Woodbine-based horses among the 34 nominees for the Canadian International. Trainer Ashlee Brnjas said she anticipated Johnny Bear would run in the Canadian International, despite having other options.
“He thrives on home turf,” she said. “He loves that grass. He’s in really good order. I sent him back to the farm for a little bit of rest and relaxation after that last run. I think instead of shipping here and there and everywhere, I think we just stay home.”
Johnny Bear was sent to Colebrook Farms in Uxbridge, Ontario, following his victory in the Northern Dancer Turf on Sept. 15, but he should return to Woodbine in the coming days to resume his training. Brnjas said Johnny Bear wouldn’t need much work in the lead-up to the Canadian International off back-to-back starts over 1 1/2 miles.
“I don’t think he needs a ton, because he’s dead fit,” she said. “He put in two good, hard efforts. He’s in great order. He’s sound as a pound.”
Graham Motion and Mike Maker lead all trainers with five nominees each to the Canadian International. Among the Graham Motion contingent is last year’s Canadian International winner Erupt. Erupt joined Motion following a fifth-place finish in his most recent start, the Grade 1 Sword Dancer Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 26. Another pair of Motion nominees have made starts at Woodbine this season, including Messi, who was third in the Northern Dancer Turf Stakes, and Can’thelpbelieving, who won the Grade 2 Sky Classic Stakes on Aug. 20.
Maker sent Taghleeb to Woodbine for last year’s Canadian International, and he finished seventh behind Erupt. He could return this year off a fifth-place finish in the Grade 3 Kentucky Turf Cup at Kentucky Downs on Sept. 9. Maker’s other nominations include three other horses he sent out in the Kentucky Turf Cup: winner Oscar Nominated, fourth-place finisher St. Louie, and ninth-place finisher Enterprising.
Entries for the Canadian International will close Oct. 11.
