Northlands: Claresmiezie looks too classy for Chariot Chaser rivals

Claresmiezie lost some luster when she lost for the first time in Western Canada in the $50,000 Ross McLeod at Hastings May 19. Nonetheless, she figures to be a heavy favorite when she returns to Northlands Park in the six-furlong Chariot Chaser Handicap Sunday. The $50,000 feature for 3-year-old fillies drew five horses and it will be interesting to see how Claresmiezie bounces back from her defeat.

Trained by Greg Tracy, Claresmiezie put on quite a show in her only start at Northlands, which came in the $50,000 Princess Margaret Stakes last July 29. Claresmiezie was in complete control from the start, and after taking a three-length lead into the stretch she drew off to win by over 15 lengths.

Following her impressive performance in the Princes Margaret, Tracy shipped her to Monmouth where she finished fifth in the $100,000 Sorority and then was turned out for the year. She resurfaced at Hastings where she was an easy winner of a six-furlong allowance race April 15. Heavily favored in the Ross McLeod, Claresmiezie broke on top but was soon joined by Vinoterra, and after dueling through extremely fast fractions both horses understandably faded in the stretch.

Despite finishing fifth, Claresmiezie earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 66, which is higher than any of the horses she is facing have ever produced. The McLeod was clearly a hard race on Claresmiezie, but Tracy is happy with the way she is training and expects a strong performance from her.

“She seems to be doing just fine and I like the way she he finished strong in both of her works at Northlands,” he said.

Rico Walcott rides Claresmiezie.

Miss Caterina has good speed but she ran a very dull race in her first start for trainer Tim Rycroft at Northlands May 16, finishing last in a $32,000 optional claiming race going 3 1/2 furlongs. Miss Caterina had been claimed for $25,000 by owner Peter Landry for $25,000 out of a win at Gulfstream Park March 18.

Miss Caterina appears to want the lead, and she led every step of the way when she debuted in a $60,000 maiden-claiming race for trainer Todd Pletcher at Saratoga last August. In her only other race she finished last when she tried turf in a first-level $75,000 optional claiming race at Gulfstream Feb. 16.

Commander Sue, trained by Rob Chabot, rallied to win a $25,000 maiden-claiming race at Tampa Bay April 20 before shipping to Northlands where she won a first-level allowance race May 25. She could pick up the pieces if Claresmiezie and Miss Caterina get carried away up front.