More distance could work either way for Weller Green
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ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Weller Green extends to what could be a favorable distance in Sunday’s sixth race at Woodbine, a 1 3/8-mile first-level allowance on the inner turf with a $32,000 optional claiming tag. Is the stretch-out ideal for him, or does he only have one run? Those are the questions handicappers must ponder when sizing up the chances of the probable favorite.
Trained by Catherine Day-Phillips, Weller Green scored his lone win over about 1 1/8 miles on the main turf in his 2025 season opener. With the main turf undergoing renovations thereafter, the closer has stuck to the inner turf since and was along for second in both of his outings this year under Austin Adams.
Weller Green had a fast pace to rally into most recently and was only beaten by the classy favorite Ashley’s Archer. The 81 Beyer Speed Figure he earned then is a career best.
Weller Green ran 1 1/4 miles early in his career, last September, when the late developer finished a flat fourth. At this stage, 1 3/8 miles could be right up his alley, but there are some obstacles to consider on Sunday. The five-horse field doesn’t have much speed and the rail far out in the speed-friendly lane 4 is another negative.
Completing the field in the three-turn event are Bowman’s Run, One More Brew, Ninja Star, and Coburg.
Bowman’s Run has proven to be a productive $25,000 claim last year by trainer John LeBlanc Jr. After coming up empty in his seasonal bow on the Tapeta, he finished a close fourth going 1 1/16 miles on the inner turf and then cleared the nonwinners-of-two condition most recently over 7 1/2 furlongs on the inner course.
Bowman’s Run’s lone 1 3/8-mile race, in October, was among his worst performances, but he had a three-wide trip over giving ground and has been at his best over firm turf. The 5-year-old is being reunited with David Moran, who was on suspension when Ryan Munger rode Bowman’s Run to victory on July 9.
One More Brew ran off a $25,000 claim last out and finished a game second at that price in one of his better inner-turf attempts. Jose Campos retains the mount for trainer Steve Chircop, who has a 20 percent strike rate second time off a claim over the past five years with a return on investment of $1.81.
Ninja Star has stuck to the Tapeta since last fall, but his turf record isn’t bad. Dropping to $15,000 in his last start, he raced four wide until the far turn over a track that favored speed and inside runners, eventually checking in third. Apprentice Christoff Douglas replaces Campos on the Chircop-trained 5-year-old.
Coburg figures to shake loose on the lead under leading rider Pietro Moran, who was aboard when the 3-year-old won a 1 1/8-mile maiden special weight on the Tapeta after dueling for the lead July 4. He was unplaced in three grass outings last winter at Gulfstream.
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