Recent form points to Calgary Cat in Ontario Jockey Club

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Calgary Cat’s recent form was flattered when Phil’s Dream romped in the Shepperton Stakes, which should make him the odds-on favorite in the $100,000 Ontario Jockey Club Stakes on Wednesday night at Woodbine.

Calgary Cat was Canada’s champion male sprinter last year, during which he won five of seven outings and nearly $350,000. This spring, he rallied strongly to land his season opener in the Jacques Cartier Stakes before coming up empty May 17 in the Grade 3 Vigil Stakes.

Eurico Da Silva wrapped up on Calgary Cat late in the seven-furlong Vigil while the gelding was tiring.

“The horse was flat, so he just erred on the side of caution,” trainer Kevin Attard said. “He just wanted to look after him. Fortunately, he came out of the race in good order.”

Calgary Cat rebounded July 4 with a victory over Phil’s Dream in the six-furlong Achievement Stakes. Phil’s Dream came right back to easily take the Shepperton on Aug. 3 in near-track-record time.

The six-furlong Ontario Jockey Club attracted five others, including Essence Hit Man, Canada’s champion male sprinter in 2011 and 2012. It is carded as Race 6 on a solid eight-race program.

Key contenders

Calgary Cat (Last 3 Beyers: 98-77-103)

The flashy chestnut has worked three times since the Achievement, including five-eighths in a bullet 1:00.20 on July 29. He is the 124-pound highweight.

Essence Hit Man (Last 3 Beyers: 103-98-90)

The 8-year-old millionaire has been idle since November 2013, when he finished second in the Grade 2 Kennedy Road Stakes. He has posted a series of fast works on the training track and the Polytrack while on the comeback trail. Trainer Larry Cappuccitti has had some success with long-term layoff runners, and this one could be dangerous as the lone speed.

Alpha Bettor (Last 3 Beyers: 89-78-76)

The 7-year-old was Canada’s champion older male runner in 2013, when he did the bulk of his damage around two turns. His first two starts this year were forgettable, but he woke up last time out June 14 in a six-furlong optional claimer, coming from eighth to prevail by a nose at 13-1.

He has worked several bullets leading up to this engagement and should be along to pick up some of the pieces, at the very least.

Puntrooksie (Last 3 Beyers: 91-89-91)

Alpha Bettor beat him on the wire when he was favored June 14, and he finally prevailed at the second allowance condition in a July 5 optional claimer.