Southern Gem gets away from the big girls
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Southern Gem gets some much-needed class relief in Friday’s third race at Woodbine, a second-level optional claimer for fillies and mares going nine furlongs on the turf.
Southern Gem has been campaigned sporadically this year by Stronach Stable and trainer Sid Attard. She was a wide fourth in a third-level optional claimer at Gulfsteam in February, after which she finished fifth against some formidable opposition in the Grade 2 Nassau here May 27.
Southern Gem parlayed a three-wide stalking trip into a fifth behind Quidura in the Grade 2 Canadian on Sept. 16. Following another layoff on Nov. 3, she was finished a flat eighth in the River Memories Stakes, which was taken off the turf and contested over the Tapeta. It was Southern Gem’s first race on that surface.
One could make a case for all five entrants in Friday’s feature, which is scheduled to be run on lane 3.
KEY CONTENDERS
Southern Gem, by Smart Strike
Last 3 Beyers: 74-88-81
◗ A surface change to the main track would probably be to her detriment, but it’s the only turf race on the nine-race card, so it should be a go. Luis Contreras will ride her again.
Gilded Splinters, by Henrythenavigator
Last 3 Beyers: 84-63-79
◗ The probable pacesetter, she dueled through soft early fractions last time en route to a neck score over favored Niigon’s Eclipse going 1 1/16 miles at this level. She’s worked four times since that Sept. 24 outing.
◗ She runs with a $62,500 claiming tag under leading rider Eurico Da Silva, who’s an impressive 19 for 40 at the meet for trainer Catherine Day Phillips.
Internal Bourbon, by Not Bourbon
Last 3 Beyers: 75-79-79
◗ She’s winless in seven starts since taking the 2016 Zadracarta Stakes. Her first three races this year were all decent, including a lapped-on third in the Classy ’n Smart Stakes. Her last effort, a seventh-place finish against the boys in the restricted Bunty Lawless Stakes, shouldn’t be held against her.
Kylla Instinct, by Kyllachy
Last 3 Beyers: 70-79-80
◗ Like Internal Bourbon, she’s trained by Hall of Famer Roger Attfield, who sent her out to prevail over Gilded Splinters for a $60,000 tag July 29. She ran third behind that rival Sept. 24.
Daddy’s Great Bay, by Scat Daddy
Last 3 Beyers: 73-76-71
◗ Due to her residual value as a broodmare, the stakes-placed filly has proven to be well worth the $40,000 for which she was claimed last year by trainer Gord Colbourne. She wired first-level allowance rivals two back under Gary Boulanger.
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