Nevaeh's Valentine should prove elusive target Friday

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Lost in the hoopla immediately following this year’s Queen’s Plate was a breakout performance by Nevaeh’s Valentine, who should be the dominant speed in Friday’s Woodbine headliner, a second-level optional claimer at 1 1/16 miles on the Tapeta.

Nevaeh’s Valentine graduated with ease at 23-1 on Plate Day, July 3, setting a lively pace in his second start off a six-month layoff and holding on by 3 1/2 lengths. He opened up a big lead on the backstretch and nearly stayed the 10 furlongs on the grass in a subsequent Ontario-sired allowance but got caught in deep stretch.

Most recently, on Aug. 27, Nevaeh’s Valentine shortened up to a mile on the grass in an open, first-level allowance and was able to wire the field. He is taking a significant step up in company on Friday.

KEY CONTENDERS

Nevaeh’s Valentine, by Giant Gizmo

Last 3 Beyers: 84-79-85

◗ Steven Bahen, the elder statesman of the local jockey colony, will ride him for the fourth straight race.

◗ Trainer Earl Barnett has earned a good living over the years with late bloomers like this 4-year-old gelding by leading Ontario sire Giant Gizmo.

◗ He breezed five-eighths in a bullet 58.60 seconds last week.

Dynamic Sky, by Sky Mesa

Last 3 Beyers: 79-93-79

◗ The classy millionaire has been in a tailspin of late. He could only manage to finish sixth as the favorite after getting away slowly and racing wide last time in the restricted Halton Stakes on the grass.

◗ Gary Boulanger, who was aboard for his front-running fifth two back in the Grade 2 Nijinsky Stakes, has the mount for leading trainer Mark Casse.

Oakton, by Macho Uno

Last 3 Beyers: 86-85-72

◗ Trained by Casse, he could be favored under the red-hot Rafael Hernandez.

◗ After winning a first-level allowance sprint comfortably following a layoff Aug. 7, he rallied wide from off slow fractions to finish second at this level at 1 1/16 miles Sept. 4.

Syntax, by Haalef

Last 3 Beyers: 83-88-68

◗ The turf expert from Maryland is starting for the first time on synthetics and makes his third start after a long layoff. His trainer, Michael Dickinson, invented the Tapeta surface.

World of Prospects, by Box Office Event

Last 3 Beyers: 80-81-77

◗ He was a troubled third behind Decision Day and Oakton in his first try at this level Sept. 4.

Coltimus Prime, by Milwaukee Brew

Last 3 Beyers: 85-84-76

◗ The 2014 Prince of Wales Stakes winner is exiting a narrow loss in an allowance on the dirt at Fort Erie. His synthetic-track form is spotty.