Sid Attard can get one step closer to 2,000

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – The Canadian Hall of Fame trainer Sid Attard is closing in on his 2,000th career victory. He will try for his 1,999th win when he sends out the versatile Atypical on turf in a $12,500 claiming race on the Friday the 13th card at Woodbine.

Atypical captured a $12,500 starter allowance over the 1 1/16-mile distance of Friday’s race last August, but is winless in seven starts since then. He was a non-threatening fourth vs. $16,000 claimers in his May 13 season opener on the Tapeta, and he ran second on Tapeta most recently against $12,500 opposition.

On Friday, Atypical competes under second-leading rider Eurico Da Silva, who was aboard for his last triumph.

All eight races on Friday are for claimers. Four of them are on the grass, including the nightcap, which lured a contentious field of $20,000 conditioned claimers going 6 1/2 furlongs. Races 2 and 6 are a split of a $16,000 maiden claimer.

KEY CONTENDERS

Atypical, by Seeking the Best

Last 3 Beyers: 69-60-68

◗ He has worked twice since his last race, including a six-furlong breeze in 1:14.40 on main track June 23.

◗ Last Sunday, Attard sent out stable star Kingsport to upset Canadian Horse of the Year Pink Lloyd in the Shepperton Stakes.

Sportscaster, by Harlan’s Holiday

Last 3 Beyers: 70-62-83

◗ He had a productive winter stint at Gulfstream for trainer Dale Romans. Sid’s nephew Kevin Attard claimed him for $16,000 in February, and then gave him a rest after he came up empty in an optional starter in March. He was fifth against a salty group of $16,000 claimers in his Woodbine debut June 15, a race he can build on.

Reallylikethisone, by Philanthropist

Last 3 Beyers: 69-78-69

◗ Off a third at this level on the Tapeta, he’s making his first start off the claim by the red-hot trainer Francine Villeneuve, who has won with 6 of 10 starters at the meet.

◗ The 5-year-old was far back the only time he tried the turf, which came at 2 in the allowance prep for the Summer Stakes, but certainly deserves another chance.

Dexter Road, by Arch

Last 3 Beyers: 72-66-69

◗ He’s exiting an overdue win against $8,000 conditioned opposition over a sloppy track at Fort Erie. One of his better performances was a $40,000 score going long on the grass here last July.

◗ His new rider, Luis Contreras, is 6 for 29 at the meet for Dexter Road’s trainer, Jim Ensom.

Pat Daddy, by Scat Daddy

Last 3 Beyers: 66-70-71

◗ The classy 6-year-old is dropping to a new low while changing surfaces. He has a spotty record on grass.