London Tower will aim for clean break in Bison City Stakes
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Woodbine Oaks runner-up London Tower will look to get off to a better start in Sunday’s $250,000 Bison City Stakes at 1 1/16 miles for Canadian-bred 3-year-old fillies at Woodbine.
London Tower has been off slowly in both of her starts this season, and although it didn’t hurt her when she came with a strong run late to win the Fury Stakes, she couldn’t make up enough ground in the stretch to catch Academic in the Woodbine Oaks on June 14.
“We were concerned with her sitting back in the gate when the starter sprung the latch,” trainer Steve Owens said. “Hopefully, she won’t do that this time and she gets a clean break and is a little closer to the pace.”
Owens said London Tower has schooled in the gate since the Oaks and has come back with two positive workouts ahead of the Bison City.
“She worked a nice, easy five-eighths in company the other day and did everything we were asking for,” he said. “She’s very healthy and ready to run.”
Also on the card is the $150,000 Shady Well Stakes, a 5 1/2-furlong sprint for 2-year-old fillies that will go as race 4.
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KEY CONTENDERS
BISON CITY (RACE 8)
London Tower (Last 3 Beyers: 81-79-79)
◗ She was a dominant winner of the Ontario Lassie Stakes at this distance as a 2-year-old while racing on the lead. If she finds herself forwardly placed in this spot, she will be extremely tough to get by in the stretch.
Pipers Journey (Beyers: 73-66)
◗ She will be making her stakes debut off two victories to begin her career. Depending on London Tower’s tactics, she could find herself as the lone speed and would be a major threat to take the field gate to wire.
Brooklynsway (Last 3 Beyers: 74-68-70)
◗ She was an even sixth in the Woodbine Oaks but could benefit with a cutback in distance after beating London Tower in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes last year.
SHADY WELL (RACE 4)
Get Rhythm (Beyer: 68)
◗ She earned the best last-out Beyer Speed Figure in the field when she won her maiden against open company June 20. Her outside draw makes her dangerous once again.
Conquest City Girl (Beyer: 53)
◗ She exits the Victoria Stakes against males on turf, where she earned a 53 Beyer. Beliveau, who crossed the line first but was disqualified and placed second, came back to win last Sunday’s Clarendon Stakes with a 69 Beyer.
Caren (Beyer: 52)
◗ She broke outwardly in her first start and was able to sweep by her Ontario-sired rivals for a 2 3/4-length victory. The runner-up from that June 6 start has come back to win with a 52 Beyer.