Pellegrino tough to anticipate
ETOBICOKE, Ontario The Singspiel will be run with new Grade 3 status and an enhanced purse of $150,000 here Sunday.
But those facts are unlikely to cut much ice with Pellegrino, a 9-year-old horse who won the Singspiel over 1 1/2 miles on turf as an overnight stakes last year and has amassed a wealth of experience and $646,379 through his 44-start career.
Pellegrino, owned by Gary Tanaka and trained by Roger Attfield, was unplaced in two starts at Keeneland this spring but has been pointed for the Singspiel since returning to Woodbine.
There are only so many spots for him, said Attfield. He seems to come through for me a couple of times a year.
Whether Pellegrino will step up on Sunday is difficult to predict, as he generally seems to perform as the mood strikes him.
Jono Jones, who rode Pellegrino to his two wins last year, regains the mount.
Rahys Attorney, a 4-year-old gelding, is less than half Pellegrinos age but served notice that he is ready for the big leagues of turf with an upset win in the Grade 3 Connaught Cup here May 25.
The 1 1/16-mile Connaught Cup was the second start of the season for Rahys Attorney, who is trained by Ian Black and did all his winning in Ontario-sired company last year.
Rahys Attorney also is nominated to the King Edward, a 1 1/8-mile turf race that offers Grade 2 status and a purse of $300,000 here June 28.
I thought this would be an easier race, said Black. When you put up $300,000, for a Grade 2, youre going to get the big boys in.
I think hell run 1 1/2 miles, but Im not sure. Hes never run past 1 1/4 miles, but hes as fit as hes ever going to be right now.
Slade Callaghan retains the mount on Rahys Attorney, who is the 125-pound highweight.
The 12-horse field for the Singspiel also includes the winners of two legs of Canadas 2007 Triple Crown.
Mike Fox, hero of the 1 1/4-mile Queens Plate, will be making his first start since Sept. 30 and has a new trainer in Bruce Smither. Black trained Mike Fox last year. Emma-Jayne Wilson retains the mount on Mike Fox
Marchfield, winner of the Breeders over 1 1/2 miles on turf, returns to his home base with good recent Kentucky turf form under his belt. Patrick Husbands gets the call.
Shillelagh Slew, winner via disqualification of the 2006 Prince of Wales at 1 3/16 miles, adds more depth to the Singspiel lineup.