Phil's Dream gets class relief in Shepperton Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – After running second to Something Extra, one of the top turf sprinters on the grounds, in the Grade 2 Highlander Stakes last time out, Phil’s Dream will get some class relief Monday when he takes on five others in the $125,000 Shepperton Stakes, a 6 1/2-furlong sprint for Ontario-sired 3-year-olds and up.

Despite the loss in the Highlander, trainer Paul Buttigieg was pleased with the performance of his gelding on turf.

“He handled the grass all right, he just couldn’t beat that horse on that day,” he said.

Buttigieg said he’s happy with how Phil’s Dream is coming into the Shepperton. Phil’s Dream has recorded two works since the July 6 Highlander, including a five-furlong breeze in 1:00.80 on the main track here July 27.

“He’s training super, and he worked good,” Buttigieg said. “He’s sound, and I can’t say enough about him. Everything I’ve asked of him, he’s done so far.”

Paso Doble, who defeated Phil’s Dream in winning the Shepperton last season, might have the best chance to spring an upset. Paso Doble comes into this race off a third-place finish in a six-furlong Ontario-sired allowance June 27, when he was squeezed back at the sixteenth pole. Sorry About That and Executive Five, the winner and runner-up in that race, were not entered here.

Rounding out the field are Citius, Sniper, San Nicola Thunder, and Th Original Scotty. Citius was supplemented to this event by trainer Ralph Biamonte and defeated Phil’s Dream on April 27.

KEY CONTENDERS

Phil’s Dream (Last 3 Beyers: 95-90-86)

* Phil’s Dream has run well in back-to-back races against open company, but Buttigieg said he would like to run Phil’s Dream against Ontario-sired company when possible. Phil’s Dream has won four of his seven starts against Ontario-sired foes since returning from a layoff of more than 21 months in April 2013.

Formulator Fact: Buttigieg is winning at a 20 percent rate from 40 starters moving from turf to synthetic over the past five years, with a return on investment of $2.71.

Paso Doble (Last 3 Beyers: 75-85-81)

* The 8-year-old gelding has run well in Ontario-sired sprint stakes in the past, hitting the board in seven straight such races, with four victories. He finished third to Phil’s Dream in the New Providence Stakes earlier this year but will need to be at his best to turn the tables on the favorite here.