Melmich in fine form for route feature

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Melmich has taken his game to another level this year, and the exciting 4-year-old is a worthy favorite in Friday’s Woodbine headliner, a second-level optional-claiming route on the Polytrack.

Melmich was claimed for a bargain $20,000 last September by trainer Kevin Attard. He proceeded to win two of his next three outings against $40,000 conditional claimers.

Melmich picked up right where he left off last year in his season opener May 17, winning a first-level allowance over the improving Doogie. A slow break led to him being much farther back than usual in a subsequent optional claimer, but he did well to close for second.

Melmich most recently was the 7-10 favorite in a $25,000 starter allowance July 15. He attended sleepy fractions in the 1 3/16-mile route before drawing off for a seven-length score and earning his second straight Beyer Speed Figure in the low 90s.

Melmich shortens up to a 1 1/16 miles on Friday and will have leading rider Eurico Da Silva aboard.

Five other older runners were entered in the feature, the eighth race on an appealing nine-race card.

KEY CONTENDERS

Melmich (Last 3 Beyers: 92-91-83)

He has won on the front end, from a stalking position, and from well off the pace. That unusual versatility is one of his biggest assets, and Da Silva knows him well.

Peyton (Last 3 Beyers: 88-82-78)

The win-shy 6-year-old has improved with each subsequent appearance at the meet while competing exclusively at this level. He came wide from off a lively pace to finish a close second July 19 and would appear to be sitting on a peak performance.

Awesome Overture (Last 3 Beyers: 75-83-84)

He had been sidelined for eight months when a fading fourth behind Peyton on July 19, a race he seemingly needed. The 6-year-old was once a stakes performer and is classy enough to make an impact with Alan Garcia back in the saddle.

Freitag (Last 3 Beyers: 77-84-74)

The Ontario-sired gelding is tagged for the first time after coming up empty in his most recent start July 1. He has worked nicely leading up to this engagement and could crack the top three under new rider Jesse Campbell.

Tuscan Getaway (Last 3 Beyers: 79-87-87)

He was scratched from last Sunday’s Grade 3 Seagram Cup and can be a speed threat following a layoff in this much easier spot.