Naked Nues beatable favorite

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Stonetown should be a good alternative to likely favorite Naked Nues in Wednesday's Woodbine headliner, a 6 1/2-furlong allowance for Ontario-sired runners.

Stonetown, a 4-year-old trained by Abraham Katryan, has made just three starts. He wound up sixth when debuting on the inner dirt track last August, but then made amends with a 2 3/4-length triumph over $40,000 maidens Sept. 10.

In his only start this year, in a six-furlong Ontario-sired allowance June 14, Stonetown broke a bit slowly before closing from off slow fractions to end up third. He earned a respectable 78 Beyer Speed Figure.

Stonetown drilled five-eighths in 1:00.80 on July 2, which was the seventh-fastest of 33 works at the distance.

"He's a nice little Ontario-sired horse," said Katryan. "He's just coming into himself."

Emile Ramsammy will ride Stonetown for Spring Farm and Racing Canada Inc.

Naked Nues finished second or third in each of his last four starts at this nonwinners allowance level. He was beaten just a half-length when second to the stakes-placed Red Raffles in his May 16 outing, and got a career-high 83 Beyer when second in another Polytrack sprint June 14.

Most recently, in his first turf try at 6 1/2 furlongs, Naked Nues put away a rival on the front end before fading to third behind the promising 4-year-old Michael's Bad Boy and Blue Deputy.

Naked Nues may take some catching if able to secure a clear early lead, but his habit of getting "late" in deep stretch makes him a vulnerable favorite Wednesday.

Corey Fraser retains the mount on Naked Nues for trainer Ralph Biamonte.

Completing the field for Friday's feature are Brockport, Bold Finale, and Haliburton Boy.

Brockport graduated in his 19th start, in a six-furlong maiden special for Ontario-sired stock May 11. He was a troubled fourth last time out on the grass.

Martin's Bay figures to be a short-priced favorite in Wednesday's only other non-claiming event, the sixth, a maiden special weight route for fillies and mares.

Trained by Mark Casse, Martin's Bay finished second in both of her starts in maiden special sprints. She was beaten three-quarters of a length most recently by the promising first-time starter Speak Wisely, while earning an 85 Beyer.

Martin's Bay is by Graeme Hall, who won the Arkansas Derby and Jim Dandy, both Grade 2 stakes going long. Her dam has thrown two route winners from three starters, including stakes-placed Cherry Grove.