Rexton will try to fire off layoff in sprint feature
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Questions abound regarding Friday’s Woodbine headliner, a first-level allowance over five furlongs.
Is Rexton ready off the five-month layoff? Will Dash of Dazzle bounce off his dazzling recent victory? Is Check Em the speed of the speed?
Rexton was a model of consistency last year. He wasn’t worse than fifth in 10 starts while banking more than $70,000 under the tutelage of trainer John Mattine.
Rexton scored twice in Ontario-sired allowance company, including a front-running victory over non-winners of three going five furlongs Nov. 14. He has been idle since Dec. 7, when he earned a career-high 76 Beyer Speed Figure during a flat third-place finish in his first try against open allowance company.
Rexton, a 5-year-old son of former Ontario sire Philanthropist, has worked regularly since mid-March and should be ready to fire one of his better shots.
A field of six will square off in the feature, which is the eighth event on a decent nine-race card.
KEY CONTENDERS
Rexton (Last 3 Beyers: 76-75-68)
◗ In a race with two need-the-lead types, his tactical speed should come in handy. He figures to assume an early stalking position under Luis Contreras, who was aboard for his last two outings.
Dash of Dazzle (Last 3 Beyers: 81-70-30)
◗ He was beaten by double digits in each of his three winter excursions on dirt at Aqueduct and Parx, including a ninth-place finish in an overnight stakes.
◗ In his first start for trainer Marty Drexler here April 19, he rallied powerfully from a trailing position at the top of the stretch to win a five-furlong dash for $40,000 conditioned claimers with an 81 Beyer. The last time he put up an 80-plus Beyer when second here last fall, he came up empty in a subsequent engagement.
◗ Leading rider Alan Garcia, who retains the mount, has been particularly effective on closers at the meet, and he might have Dash of Dazzle’s hole card.
Check Em (Last 3 Beyers: 41-81-75)
◗ He was dueled into submission on the front end the last time he saw action Dec. 7 in a tough $32,000 claimer that contained Oro Vero and Wild N Clever.
◗ He led throughout a five-furlong starter allowance Nov. 9 that capped a three-race win streak in the lower ranks.
◗ Hawks Got Fire seems capable of going with him early, a scenario that could be the downfall for both of them.