Money Talker looks strong on grass in Friday feature

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – There’s no doubt that Money Talker’s chances diminished when his last race was taken off the turf, and he did fade in the final furlong. With any luck, the late-blooming 5-year-old will get to compete on the grass in Friday’s Woodbine headliner, a third-level optional claimer.

Money Talker is nearing the end of his most successful campaign, during which he won a second-level optional claimer over 1 3/8 miles on grass July 27.

Money Talker made a smooth transition to stakes company Aug. 16 in the Grade 2 Sky Classic. He attended a slow pace in the 1 1/4-mile event and then fought for the lead in the stretch before weakening to finish a lapped-on third behind Karibu Gardens and Reporting Star.

Money Talker most recently finished fifth before being promoted to fourth by disqualification in a 1 1/4-mile route that was moved to the Polytrack, over which he’s unplaced in four starts. The winner of that optional claimer, Lukes Alley, returned to beat an accomplished field in the Grade 3 Durham Cup last Saturday.

Sid Attard trains Money Talker for Stronach Stables. Adena Springs Canada is the home to his sire, Silent Name, who is among the top sires in the country.

Just four others were entered in Friday’s 1 1/4-mile feature, which is carded as race 3 on a nine-race card. The allowance prep for the Maple Leaf Stakes failed to fill.

KEY CONTENDERS

Money Talker (Last 3 Beyers: 79-95-92)

◗ His tactical speed has been one of his most effective weapons, and he figures to lead the way under Jesse Campbell, who has been on a roll of late.

Cummings Road (Last 3 Beyers: 89-85-82)

◗ Mark Casse lost him to Attard for $62,500 on June 7, when he trained him for Melnyk Racing Stables. Casse claimed him back for $60,000 for owner Gary Barber when the 5-year-old lost by a neck Aug. 10, then sent him out to finish second to Lukes Alley. He runs for $80,000 here under Patrick Husbands.

◗ He can handle either local surface but seems to have developed hanging tendencies, which makes him unappealing on the win end if the price is on the chalky side.

Eminent Force (Last 3 Beyers: 85-88-69)

◗ The expensive War Front gelding is competing beyond 1 1/8 miles for the first time off a wide fourth in the one-mile Halton, a stakes for graduates of local yearling sales. He bested second-level optional company at 18-1 two starts back.