Just Win Baby goes for hat trick in Harvest Gold Plate

Just Win Baby has done just that in his two starts for trainer Greg Tracy, both at Northlands Park. He’ll try to keep his streak going when he runs Monday in the $50,000 Harvest Gold Plate.

The 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds and up drew nine horses and goes as race 7 on the Canadian Thanksgiving card at Northlands, which begins at 1 p.m. Mountain.

Just Win Baby came here from California and won his first start for Tracy, which came going 1 1/16 miles in a $25,000 optional-claiming race off a two-month layoff Aug. 27. In his previous start, he finished fifth June 21 in the $100,000 Oak Tree Handicap at Pleasanton.

“He was in really good shape when he arrived here, and he obviously likes the track,” said Tracy. “He’s a sound horse and is certainly training well right now.”

Tracy was impressed with Just Win Baby’s latest win, which came in a one-mile $35,000 optional-claiming race here Sept. 19.

“I thought he might be in trouble after they pushed him through a quick half-mile,” said Tracy. “He just dug in and drew off. He showed me a lot.”

Just Win Baby drew post 2, and jockey Damario Bynoe should be able to put him into the race early.

The main threat is Magic D’Oro, who is coming off three straight second-place finishes behind Balooga Bull in stakes races at Assinibioa Downs for trainer Rob Atras. In the Gold Plate, he will be making his first start for trainer Tanya Lindsay.

KEY CONTENDERS

JUST WIN BABY (Last 3 Beyers: 80-80-81)

◗ Bred in Florida, the 4-year-old son of The Daddy could be tough to get past if he makes the lead early.

MAGIC D’ORO (Last 3 Beyers: 87-92-85)

◗ He owns the best Beyer Speed Figures in the field, but he’s never won a race longer than 7 1/2 furlongs and this will be his first start on a bullring.

DRF FORMULATOR FACT: Over the past five years, trainer Tanya Lindsay has a 27 percent strike rate with new shooters.

KILLIN ME SMALLS (Last 3 Beyers: 80-76-78)

◗ Trained by Ernie Keller, he can stalk the pace and could pick up the pieces if Just Win Baby and Magic D’Oro hook up early.

◗ The Westerner winner, he finished second going 1 3/8 miles in the $73,000 Speed to Spare and won’t mind the move back to a route after finishing second in a $35,000 optional-claiming sprint Oct. 3.