Signature Spring, Da Silva team up

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Stakes winner Signature Spring will try to end a three-race losing streak when he picks up leading rider Eurico Da Silva for Friday’s third race at Woodbine, a first-level optional claimer for 3-year-olds.

Signature Spring won his first two outings at 2, including the open Colin Stakes. He was bet down to 1-2 in his final juvenile outing Oct. 10 in the restricted Bull Page Stakes, but he had to settle for second after a troubled trip.

Signature Spring was favored in both of his starts this spring. Following a winter layoff, he was a close fifth April 23 against Ontario-sired allowance types. He then finished fourth after getting bumped at the break in a seven-furlong allowance.

Five others were entered in Friday’s six-furlong sprint, which carries a base purse of $61,000.

My Arch Enemy should take some catching at a short price in the other optional claimer on the card, race 2. She is trained by Mark Casse, who also is sending out Graceful Heart in the 1 1/16-mile event for 3-year-old fillies.

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KEY CONTENDERS

Signature Spring, by Signature Red

Last 3 Beyers: 75-72-67

◗ In a field chock-full of speed, his stalking style should be an asset for Da Silva, who is 1 for 3 at the meet for Signature Spring’s trainer, Sid Attard. That combo has a 28 percent strike rate at Woodbine since the beginning of 2016.

Katalox, by Old Forester

Last 3 Beyers: 77-69-48

◗ His best effort was a narrow loss here Nov. 5 in the restricted Clarendon Stakes, in which he earned an 87 Beyer Speed Figure. He ran third behind the promising Classic Rock in the April 21 Roar Stakes at Gulfstream and was a front-running winner over an anti-speed track in an Ontario-sired allowance here May 17.

◗ His outside draw could lead to a pace-pressing trip under Jesse Campbell, who was aboard for two of his better performances.

Dragon’s Cry, by Victor’s Cry

Last 3 Beyers: 63-73-69

◗ He upset Signature Spring after leading all the way in the six-furlong Bull Page and went on to run fourth in the Clarendon Stakes. He had a wide journey when sixth in his season opener in an Ontario-sired allowance.

Yes Darlin, by Yesbyjimminy

Last 3 Beyers: 76-76-51

◗ After wintering at Gulfstream, he captured a six-furlong maiden special here April 22. Seven furlongs was too far for him most recently in an allowance, when he faded to third after leading the way.

First Goal, by First Defence

Last 3 Beyers: 72-72-78

◗ He’s dropping from the open Woodstock Stakes to a logical spot for his third race off the bench.