Shut It Down gets rematch

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Mean Green got the better of the speedy Shut It Down in the seven-furlong Simcoe Stakes, but the tables could be turned when they meet again at six furlongs Monday at Woodbine in $125,000 Bull Page Stakes, for Ontario-sired 2-year-olds.

Shut It Down was sold by trainer Mark Casse to owner K.K. Sangara after the gelding finished second in his July 27 debut.

Trainer Lorne Richards ran Shut It Down back in the Sept. 1 Simcoe, for graduates of local yearling sales. He set quick fractions that day before giving way to Mean Green and wound up a clear second while receiving a 72 Beyer Speed Figure.

"It may have been a little ambitious to run him there in his second start, but he was doing well, so I thought I'd take a shot," Richards recalled.

Richards said he was confident going into a 6 1/2-furlong maiden special for Ontario-sired runners Sept. 26, which Shut It Down won comfortably under Jim McAleney.

"It was a lot easier race," Richards pointed out. "Being a little silly on parade and at the gate probably took a little away from him, but I think Jimmy had quite a bit left. He gave him one little tap, and he drew off.

"I'm real pleased with him. He's had a few issues gate-wise, but other than that, I haven't been too disappointed with him. He's done everything else I've asked."

Richards said the timing of the Bull Page isn't ideal.

"He's coming back a little quicker than you'd ideally want, but you're only going to be 2 once, and you only have one shot at these races," he said.

Mean Green, trained by Sid Attard, graduated at first asking on June 20, in a 4 1/2-furlong maiden dash for Ontario-sired stock.

Mean Green finished fourth in two consecutive six-furlong stakes during the summer, the Colin and the Vandal. He took the $127,400 Simcoe after a three-wide stalking trip under Jono Jones and was awarded a 76 Beyer.

"Jones gave him a very good ride," Attard said. "The owner wanted to send him, but Jono wanted to [rate him] like last time, and he fired."

Mean Green has worked five-eighths three times on the training track since the Simcoe.

"He's kind of fresh, and he's sharp," Attard said. "I wish this race was a little longer, but I think it will be okay."