Songs and Laughter back on Tapeta for Deputy Minister Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – After recording his first stakes win in the Bold Ruckus Stakes on turf June 11, Songs and Laughter will return to the Tapeta for Wednesday night’s $125,000 Deputy Minister Stakes for Ontario-sired 3-year-olds over seven furlongs at Woodbine.

Songs and Laughter has been a consistent runner throughout his career, recording three wins from seven starts without missing the board. Trainer Robert Tiller said Songs and Laughter is coming into the race in good order despite having not breezed since June 26.

“He had a minor, little thing, but he’s doing good,” Tiller said. “It’s a competitive race, and he’s in good order. He never runs a bad one, so we’re hoping for a big race from him. I expect him to run very well.”

Tiller said Songs and Laughter might prefer grass over synthetic surfaces, but the Deputy Minister should suit the son of Singing Saint well.

“He’s probably a better turf horse, but he’s also run very well on the Tapeta,” he said. “It should be a good distance for him.”

Key Contenders

Songs and Laughter, by Singing Saint

Last 3 Beyers: 84-84-71

◗ Tiller said Songs and Laughter has good tactical speed, which will give jockey Eurico Da Silva options from the gate. With not a lot of speed signed on, Da Silva could send Songs and Laughter to the lead or could sit just off the pacesetter.

Ultraflame, by Old Forester

Last 3 Beyers: 77-81-80

◗ He’s run behind Songs and Laughter in his last two stakes engagements but ran a career-best 81 Beyer Speed Figure at this trip two starts back when third in the Queenston Stakes.

Conquest Cavalry, by Old Forester

Last 3 Beyers: 73-70-67

◗ He recovered from a bobbled start to be a closing third in his most recent start against allowance company over seven furlongs July 2. He defeated Songs and Laughter in his first start of the year April 16.

Aye Aye Captain, by Old Forester

Last 3 Beyers: 72-68-72

◗ Returned to sprinting last time out after the 1 1/8-mile distance of the Plate Trial proved to be too far for him. Rafael Hernandez takes over the mount after Da Silva had been aboard for all six of his previous starts.

Ruth Less Blue, by Giant Gizmo

Last 3 Beyers: 73-61-66

◗ He’s worked quickly on the Tapeta since his fourth-place finish in the Bold Ruckus. He could be a pace threat after flashing early speed several times as a 2-year-old last season.