Kennedy Road delay cause for concern for Puntrooskie

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Puntrooskie’s layoff was extended an additional five days when last Sunday’s Grade 2, $200,000 Kennedy Road Stakes at Woodbine was canceled due to high winds. The Kennedy Road, for 3-year-olds and up going six furlongs on Tapeta, has been rescheduled as race 8 on Friday’s 10-race card.

Puntrooskie has not raced since his runner-up finish in the Ontario Jockey Club Stakes at Woodbine on Sept. 11. Trainer Donald MacRae said he had tailored a training program for Puntrooskie to peak on Sunday and was concerned about the gap since his last breeze, a five-furlong work on the dirt training track Nov. 11.

“I think I did have him set up for a big effort with the schedule I had him on, so I have to hope that everything still plays out the same,” MacRae said.

Puntrooskie was involved in a speed duel with Friday opponent Stacked Deck early in the Ontario Jockey Club Stakes and saw his rival pull away in the stretch. MacRae said he supported jockey Eurico Da Silva’s ride in the race but is hoping for speed to chase in the Kennedy Road.

“I’m not big on giving riders instructions,” he said. “Eurico is going to have to ride his race to see what we can do to hopefully swing those tides. Hopefully, there’s some pace in front of us this time.”

Key Contenders

Puntrooskie, by In Summation

Last 3 Beyers: 95-102-95

◗ Puntrooskie was claimed for $40,000 by MacRae back in May and has won two of his three starts since, including a victory in the Grade 3 Bold Venture Stakes on July 23 with a 102 Beyer Speed Figure.

Stacked Deck, by First Samurai

Last 3 Beyers: 99-100-92

◗ The 2015 Canadian male sprint champion appears to be returning to his best form after missing time over the summer with an illness.

◗ He ran second to Calgary Cat in the Grade 2 Nearctic Stakes on turf in his most recent start Oct. 16. Calgary Cat came back to run fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita on Nov. 5.

Passion for Action, by Speightstown

Last 3 Beyers: 89-89-94

◗ He ran well on Tapeta to start the meet, with wins in the Jacques Cartier Stakes (97 Beyer) and Grade 3 Vigil Stakes (103 Beyer) before focusing on a turf campaign.

◗ He recorded a 101 Beyer in winning the Grade 2 Highlander Stakes over six furlongs on turf July 3.