Kingsport goes back to Ontario-sired company in Shepperton
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – A sharp Kingsport goes back to Ontario-sired stakes company Saturday at Woodbine for the sizzling Sid Attard barn in the $125,000 Shepperton.
Kingsport, a three-time stakes winner for Goldmart Farm and Royal Laser Racing, capped his 2015 campaign with a victory in the Sir Barton. Following a six-month layoff, he finished a distant fifth over a speed-favoring track May 23 in the tough Steady Growth, another 1 1/16-mile Ontario-sired stakes.
Kingsport met open allowance company most recently going 6 1/2 furlongs in the prep for the Grade 3 Bold Venture Stakes. Noholdingback Bear led all the way to score comfortably in track-record time; Kingsport finished second with a career-best 93 Beyer Speed Figure.
“It doesn’t matter how hard you work him, he doesn’t wake up until after his first race,” Attard said.
Kingsport worked five-eighths in 1:00.60 on the training track July 29 under jockey Patrick Husbands.
“Patrick was very happy with the work,” Attard said. “He’s doing great. He always feels good.”
There is ample speed in the 6 1/2-furlong Shepperton, which goes as race 8 on a solid 10-race card.
KEY CONTENDERS
Kingsport, by Milwaukee Brew
Last 3 Beyers: 93-82-89
◗ Nobody has been hotter at Woodbine than Attard. During July, he won with 10 of 24 starters (42 percent).
Sweet Grass Creek, by Wando
Last 3 Beyers: 91-92-86
◗ Two weeks after beating second-level allowance opposition in his season opener, he wound up third in an Ontario-sired allowance. Most recently, he was a prominent second in the Achievement Stakes on June 18 behind 2014 Canadian champion male sprinter Calgary Cat.
Call Me Wally, by Old Forester
Last 3 Beyers: 69-68-93
◗ Wally is one of Woodbine’s best work horses, but his two efforts this spring were poor. The 4-year-old is returning from a freshening and was able to put up a 93 Beyer twice last fall.
Goodoldhockeygame, by Old Forester
Last 3 Beyers: 86-90-96
◗ The two-time stakes winner had a troubled trip in both the Grade 3 Vigil and Achievement stakes before finishing a dull fifth two weeks ago in the Bold Venture.
Seffeara, by Old Forester
Last 3 Beyers: 88-91-85
◗ The two-time stakes winner notched a third-level optional claimer in his second start off the bench May 21. He subsequently ran third in the Achievement and fourth in the Bold Venture prep.