Louisiana Purchase drops in for a tag
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Louisiana Purchase has yet to duplicate his dazzling debut, but a drop in class should be just what the doctor ordered for him in Friday’s sixth race for 3-year-olds at Woodbine.
Louisiana Purchase defeated the future stakes performer Sable Island at first asking last September, earning a 73 Beyer Speed Figure for a two-length tally in a five-furlong maiden special. He got the winter off after never challenging in a subsequent optional claimer.
Louisiana Purchase was a non-threatening sixth in his May 13 season opener. He’s coming off an improved third in another first-level optional claimer, beaten 7 1/2 lengths by the sharp Mark Casse shipper Elusive Mischief, while not far behind the talented Ellas My Love.
On Friday, Louisiana Purchase competes with a $40,000 tag in a non-winners of two hybrid sprint that combines Ontario-sired allowance types and $40,000 claimers. Gary Boulanger will ride him in the six-furlong sprint.
The nine-race program also includes three turf events and a seven-furlong maiden special for fillies and mares that will have a short-priced favorite in Katie Baby.
KEY CONTENDERS
Louisiana Purchase, by Majestic Warrior
Last 3 Beyers: 69-66-43
◗ Jim Ensom took over the training duties for his last outing. Heading into this week, he had compiled an impressive 35 percent strike rate since taking over the Marty Drexler runners following an alleged positive test that sent Drexler to the sidelines.
Water Polo, by Pool Play
Last 3 Beyers: 61-63-67
◗ After knocking on the door since his debut last summer, he finally graduated May 5 against Ontario-sired maiden special opposition and $40,000 claimers on the Tapeta. He set the pace until early in the stretch before coming up empty in a seven-furlong turf experiment most recently.
Royal Laser, by Giant Gizmo
Last 3 Beyers: 58-66-63
◗ After capturing his first start, he was competitive in Ontario-sired 2-year-old stakes company last fall before a lackluster performance going long in the restricted Kingarvie Stakes. A half-brother to multiple stakes winner Kingsport, he has worked quickly for his return from a six-month layoff.
Get My Gist, by Gemologist
Last 3 Beyers: 70-54-57
◗ He has improved with each subsequent appearance at the meet, and just missed second in a longer sprint at this level June 3.
Trapper’s Delight, by Trappe Shot
Beyers: 56-64
◗ He got the job done at first asking in a five-furlong maiden special April 29, and is adding blinkers off a dull performance in a May 13 allowance. Sheena Ryan will ride him again for trainer Robert Tiller.
