Marsantropist back for second try on turf

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Marsantropist made a positive impression in a one-mile Ontario-sired allowance in her turf debut, and the speedy gray will run under the same conditions in Friday’s Woodbine headliner.

Marsantropist showed some gumption at first asking on opening day of the meet April 9, coming along the rail to capture a five-furlong maiden special weight race. She subsequently ran second to the talented Sugar Jones after setting moderate fractions in a seven-furlong allowance June 1. Three weeks later in a shorter allowance, she finished a well-beaten third after breaking awkwardly and racing wide.

Marsantropist was dismissed at 12-1 when she moved to the turf July 9. After opening up a big lead on the turn through fast fractions, she faded in late stretch but held on for second by a nose. The favored winner, Conquest Dynasty, subsequently finished second to a razor-sharp Caren in the Wonder Where Stakes.

Friday’s feature goes as the eighth on a nine-race card that has two other events scheduled for the grass.

KEy CONTENDERS

Marsantropist, by Philanthropist

Last 3 Beyers: 70-43-69

◗ Leading rider Eurico Da Silva rode her in all four of her starts and was aboard for her bullet five-furlong breeze in 1:00 on the Tapeta on Aug. 5.

◗ Her trainer, Kevin Attard, who is second in the trainer standings, and Da Silva are a combined 10 for 43 at the meet.

Conquest Partygirl, by Giant Gizmo

Last 3 Beyers: 52-71-67

◗ She has been freshened since finishing 10th after attending a lively pace in the Woodbine Oaks on June 12.

◗ Her hot sire, Giant Gizmo, is 0 for 47 with progeny trying turf for the first time. Her dam took the Grade 3 Dance Smartly on the grass, but neither of her turf runners won, including Queen’s Plate winner Mike Fox, who did manage to finish third in the Cup and Saucer Stakes on yielding ground.

Alice’s War, by Philanthropist

Last 3 Beyers: 69-72-61

◗ She earned her diploma on the Tapeta in May but recently found a home on the grass. After closing for second two starts ago, she was beaten a nose for second by Marsantropist in the aforementioned allowance.

◗ Sunny Singh, who was aboard for all of her best performances, will ride her again for trainer Warren LeBlanc.

Niigon’s Eclipse, by Niigon

Last 3 Beyers: 67-73-52

◗ The lightly raced 3-year-old hasn’t raced since winding up fourth in a Feb. 17 optional claimer at Tampa Bay Downs.

◗ She’s going on Lasix, and trainer Rachel Halden has fared okay with 61- to 180-day-layoff types.