Little Christy gets second chance on turf

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Does Little Christy deserve a mulligan for her dull turf debut in the Ontario Damsel Stakes? Probably, but it might depend on the course condition in Friday’s Woodbine headliner, a nonwinners-of-three hybrid sprint for Ontario-sired allowance types and $40,000 claimers.

Little Christy won her first two outings last year at 2 and ran second in her first two starts this year. She was beaten just a half-length two back May 27 in the seven-furlong Lady Angela Stakes.

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Over a course labeled as good in the July 1 Ontario Damsel, Little Christy was never in the hunt after getting bet down to 5-2 under Eurico Da Silva. The one-mile distance of the Damsel might not have been in her range, but trainer Mike DePaulo said the daughter of superb turf sire Silent Name struggled over the giving ground.

“Da Silva thought she didn’t handle the soft going,” DePaulo said. “I was baffled. She had worked okay on the grass, but it was hard as a rock that day. She’s doing good, but they’re calling for rain Thursday night. They never take races off the grass here anymore, so I don’t know what to think.”

First post for the eight-race card is 3:45 p.m. Eastern, and the six-furlong feature goes as race 2.

KEY CONTENDERS

Little Christy, by Silent Name

Last 3 Beyers: 47-76-72

◗ With the temporary rail in lane 2, her outside (post 7) draw is ideal, and Da Silva can use her tactical speed to his advantage.

“She ran from just off the pace [in the Lady Angela], and she’s won a few races going to the lead,” DePaulo said. “We’ll see how things line up when the gate opens.”

Marcherdowntheally, by Marchfield

Last 3 Beyers: 77-65-82

◗ She rallied from eight lengths back to finish second to Miss Sea in her July 1 season opener in a six-furlong allowance and has since worked a fast half-mile.

◗ The 5-year-old graduated over six furlongs on the grass last September before winning an Ontario-sired allowance on the Tapeta.

Green Freedom, by Not Bourbon

Last 3 Beyers: 64-51-63

◗ The sophomore placed in two stakes on the Tapeta last year, but wasn’t a factor over yielding ground in her lone turf try in the Shady Well Stakes.

◗ Her recent form is spotty, but she resides in the live Mike Doyle barn.

Pure Purity, by Perfect Soul

Last 3 Beyers: 74-63-66

◗ The front-runner is shortening up off a close third at this level, and trainer Ralph Biamonte has fared well with turnbacks.