Red Cabernet will try to keep streak alive in Classy 'n Smart Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Red Cabernet will look to win her third consecutive stakes when she takes on five rivals in Sunday’s $100,000 Classy ’n Smart Stakes for Ontario-sired fillies and mares over 1 1/16 miles on Tapeta at Woodbine.

Red Cabernet has won on both turf and Tapeta in her last two starts. She captured the Eternal Search Stakes on turf before coming back quickly to win the Algoma Stakes on Tapeta two weeks later on Aug. 28.

In the Algoma, Red Cabernet stalked a slow pace while three wide, made her move for the lead on the turn, and drew off from Bear Paw to win by 1 1/4 lengths.

She’s recorded two works since the Algoma, most recently breezing four furlongs in 48.20 seconds on the main track Sept. 22, as she looks to keep her streak going and capture her fourth stakes win, all for trainer Ian Black and owner Piano Bar Racing.

Key Contenders

Red Cabernet, by Signature Red

Last 3 Beyers: 79-79-79

◗ She’ll have a new jockey for the first time in 10 starts, as Rafael Hernandez takes over for Emma-Jayne Wilson, who is out of action with an injury.

◗ Red Cabernet should be able to work out a trip similar to her run in the Algoma, but will likely need to hold off She’s the Berries in the late going.

She’s the Berries, by Badge of Silver

Last 3 Beyers: 80-79-75

◗ After finishing a neck behind Red Cabernet in the Eternal Search, She’s the Berries came back to run second again in the Belle Mahone Stakes, her most recent start on Sept. 8.

◗ Jockey Eurico Da Silva, who was aboard for her runner-up finish in the Belle Mahone and rode She’s the Berries to two victories last season, will retain the mount for this race.

Bear Paw, by Bear’s Kid

Last 3 Beyers: 77-64-60

◗ She’ll be looking to repeat in this event after rallying from well back to win last year’s Classy ’n Smart by a head over Stormy Summer.

◗ She nearly ran down Red Cabernet in the Algoma Stakes last time out, finishing second after coming within a head of taking the lead in the stretch.

Crumlin Queen, by Where’s the Ring

Last 3 Beyers: 76-73-72

◗ With not a lot of speed in this race, she could find herself on the lead like she was most recently in the Algoma Stakes. In that start, she set a slow pace before weakening to third.

◗ Jockey Kazushi Kimura takes over the mount for Hernandez.