Moira breezing for Attard, could return in July 1 Nassau Stakes
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ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Trainer Kevin Attard has a lot going on at Woodbine these days, but he’s in no hurry to get reigning Canadian Horse of the Year Moira back to the races.
Victorious in the 2022 Woodbine Oaks and Queen’s Plate, Moira wintered at Margaux Farm in Kentucky after ending up fifth in the Nov. 5 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Keeneland. She has been working steadily over Woodbine’s Tapeta this spring.
“She had a little time off after the Breeders’ Cup,” Attard said. “She started back training in the new year and has had a few breezes here. I’m quite pleased with the way she’s been breezing. It’s yet to be determined where we’re going to start her off, but I’m happy with her progress so far.”
Attard said the Grade 2 Nassau, a one-mile main turf stakes here July 1, is a viable comeback spot for Moira. The Grade 1 E.P. Taylor here Oct. 8 is a long-term objective for the daughter of Ghostzapper. She finished a close second in that 1 1/4-mile event last year before being demoted to eighth by disqualification.
Attard said his King’s Plate hopefuls Velocitor and Philip My Dear are both aiming for the seven-furlong Queenston Stakes for Canadian-bred 3-year-olds here June 11. Velocitor left Philip My Dear behind him in third when taking the Nov. 6 Coronation Futurity with the aid of an inside bias. The more accomplished Philip My Dear went on to be voted the Sovereign Award for Canadian champion 2-year-old male.
On a rare Saturday without a stakes, Attard has runners in four of the 10 races, including Full Extreme in the seventh, a first-level allowance route with a $32,000-claiming option.
Full Extreme is making his season debut and was victorious in his first two starts of 2022 last May, a pair of $40,000 claimers. Entered for $32,000, the 8-year-old begins from the outside post 8 under Rafael Hernandez.
Plate prospect Stanley House will be among the favorites in the seventh, even though he’s taking on older opposition. The son of Army Mule graduated impressively March 25 in a two-turn maiden special over Gulfstream Park’s Tapeta while earning an 84 Beyer Speed Figure. The third-place finisher came right back to score.
Luis Contreras will ride Stanley House for trainer Ross Armata Jr., who’s subbing for the suspended trainer Mike DePaulo.
Alley Oop Johnny should be favored in the seventh off his excellent Gulfstream form. The late-blooming 6-year-old lost his last Tapeta start by a nose to Carrothers on Feb. 18, after which he won back-to-back starter/optional claimers on the grass.
Sahin Civaci will get a leg up on Alley Oop Johnny from trainer Marty Drexler, a 16 percent combination.
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