Moon Landing back on best surface after turf flop
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ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Moon Landing probably enjoys eating grass, but he reaffirmed his aversion for grass racing with a dull performance last time out on the main course. He returns to his preferred Tapeta surface on Friday in a first-level allowance/optional claimer. Moon Landing runs for a $32,000 claiming tag for a successful turf-to-synthetic trainer.
Moon Landing wintered at Gulfstream Park with Marty Drexler before trainer Bill Tharrenos claimed him for $32,000 here April 27. The son of Nyquist bombed that day but rebounded with a slow-starting second in a $25,000 starter handicap on May 4.
Moon Landing ran lights-out in a seven-furlong sprint at this level May 29, scoring by three lengths in a snappy 1:22.98, which translated into a career-high 85 Beyer Speed Figure. He checked in fourth most recently in the second leg of the Woodbine Turf Sprint Series, a glorified starter allowance, while extending his turf record to five races without a share.
The 6 1/2-furlong distance of Friday’s race is ideal for Moon Landing, who breaks from post 3 under regular rider Fraser Aebly.
Drexler sends out Priceless Will and The Great Oz in the seven-horse field.
Priceless Will has not missed the board in eight starts dating back to June 2024. The closer won a seven-furlong race at this class with an 81 Beyer in December before taking the winter off. He ran third behind Moon Landing in his May 4 season opener and finished second to that rival most recently after they both ran in the two path over a rail-biased track on the turn.
The Great Oz has worked weekly and quickly on occasion for his first outing since late September. The 7-year-old had a fruitful 2023 campaign, winning 2 of 5 starts and more than $100,000. His productivity declined last year, but he ran competitively at this level in August and September before heading to the sidelines.
Sahin Civaci retains the mount on Priceless Will. The Great Oz will be ridden by Eswan Flores, who was aboard for his last victory.
The versatile Pat’s Gamble looks like a candidate for the bottom of intra-race wagers. He beat Ontario-sired allowance company twice last year, in his seasonal bow on the main turf and in his season finale on the Tapeta.
Pat’s Gamble had a wide trip over the aforementioned rail-favoring track while a slow pace also hindered his chances when a belated fourth in his May 29 comeback. Leading rider Pietro Moran will get a leg up on the 5-year-old, who is trained by Kevin Attard, last year’s Sovereign Award winner.
Jamiesta received a career-high 83 Beyer when third with the aid of an inside bias in a briskly run starter/optional claimer June 26. His allowance form in the spring was lackluster.
Completing the sixth-race lineup are Poseidon Steel and Highland Life.
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