Mia d'Cougar looks best off last out

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Mia d'Cougar has proven to be well worth the $25,000 for which she was claimed, and she deserves top billing in Friday's Woodbine headliner, a 1 1/8-mile first-level allowance for Ontario-sired fillies and mares.

Mia d'Cougar was claimed by trainer Tino Attard from her second start of the year Sept. 7, when she was narrowly beaten in a $25,000 sprint. She crossed the wire on top in her first try for Attard in a Sept. 20 maiden special for Ontario-sired stock, but was disqualified and placed fifth for interfering with a rival in the stretch.

Mia d'Cougar graduated over Ontario-sired maidens after stalking a slow pace when going 1 1/16 miles in her next outing, and was awarded her second straight 64 Beyer Speed Figure. She also went long in her first allowance attempt Oct. 23, and finished a clear second behind favored Regan Lodge, while earning a 73 Beyer.

Patrick Husbands, 2 for 2 aboard Attard-trained runners at the meet, will ride.

Spanish Deputy struggled at this level before finishing a close second in a $40,000 conditioned claimer on the grass Oct. 16. She recently ran third in a $40,000 route on the Polytrack, and could now be ready for the move back up to the first allowance condition.

Gerry Olguin retains the mount on Spanish Deputy.

The Willie Armata-trained entry of La Gran Germaine and Johnny's Con are both returning to action on short rest.

La Gran Germaine hasn't accomplished much since she was claimed for $11,500 in August, and was a beaten favorite while second in a recent $10,000 contest.

Johnny's Con wound up second to Mia d'Cougar after pressing the pace Oct. 15. She graduated over Ontario-sired maidens by a comfortable margin while getting a 63 Beyer eight days ago.

Six Roses got away slowly before closing on the outside for fourth behind Regan Lodge and Mia d'Cougar in her best effort of the year Oct. 23.

Lady Zipster has gone south since finishing second twice at this level in the spring.