Only one can stay perfect

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Someone's bubble will have to burst when Cut and Shoot and Dashing Admiral, both undefeated in three starts to date, square off at Woodbine in Thursday's Achievement Handicap.

The Achievement, a six-furlong race for Canadian-bred 3-year-olds, attracted a field of five and will be worth $159,900.

Cut and Shoot, trained by Mark Casse, should rule the choice off his sharp last-out victory in the six-furlong Afleet here May 29.

Cut and Shoot had won his debut over five furlongs here last August and returned May 1 with a first-level allowance score over six furlongs.

Patrick Husbands has been aboard for all three victories.

"Patrick said you can put him anywhere he needs to be," said Casse. "If there's a good pace, he'll sit off it. If there's no pace, he'll be on the lead."

Cut and Shoot drew well, in post 4, and will carry 120 pounds.

Dashing Admiral, trained by Sid Attard, was victorious at first asking for a $50,000 claiming price in a five-furlong dash here last November.

In two starts this year, both in Ontario-sired company, Dashing Admiral captured a first-level allowance at five furlongs and the Bold Ruckus Stakes over six furlongs on turf here June 16.

Attard does express some concern over the timing and the less-restrictive nature of the Achievement.

"Two weeks may be a little close," said Attard "and this race is going to be a little tougher."

On the plus side, Attard believes Dashing Admiral is equally comfortable on dirt or turf, and his tactical speed should be an asset here.

"He likes to sit just off it," said Attard.

Todd Kabel retains the mount on Dashing Admiral, who gets in at 117 pounds and starts from post 3.

Twisted Wit, who will begin from post 2 as the 122-pound highweight, and Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk, who will carry 119 pounds from post 5, are sprint stakes winners and will be looking to get back on track after disappointing in their latest two-turn outings.

Steven Bahen will pilot Twisted Wit for the first time, as the gelding's regular rider, David Clark, is sidelined with a broken wrist.

Dino Luciani returns to the saddle aboard Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk following a one-race hiatus, in which Clark had the call.

Rounding out the field will be Imperial Alydeed, who will be the probable pacesetter, but looms the longest shot in the short field.