Sparkles' Girl seeks repeat in Classy 'n Smart Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Sparkles’ Girl will look to win Sunday’s $100,000 Classy ’n Smart Stakes on Woodbine’s Tapeta for the second year in a row when she takes on six other Ontario-sired fillies and mares in the 1 1/16-mile race.

In last year’s Classy ’n Smart, Sparkles’ Girl was able to edge Trini Brewnette for her second stakes victory. Last time out, in the Algoma Stakes on Aug. 29, it was Trini Brewnette who got the upper hand, going by the pace-setting Sparkles’ Girl in the stretch. Sparkles’ Girl finished fourth, beaten three lengths.

“Her last race was better than it looks because she hadn’t raced in two months,” trainer John Charalambous said. “Now I’m getting the chance to run back within a reasonable amount of time and she’s already had that distance race underneath her. We’re expecting a good race.”

The Classy ’n Smart will mark Sparkles’ Girl’s fourth start of the year. Prior to her run in the Algoma, she finished sixth in the Zadracarta Stakes on turf on July 1, and started her campaign with the third-place finish in the Ballade Stakes on May 20.

The 5-year-old Sparkles’ Girl appears to be training well coming into the Classy ’n Smart. She’s recorded two breezes since her run in the Algoma, including a bullet five-furlong work in 1:00.00 on the dirt training track here Sept. 23.

“Sparkles is just an absolute pleasure to train,” Charalambous said. “This is the fourth year I’ve trained her and I’ve never had a problem with her. She’s just great to be around. She also has a great temperament. She’s very competitive. Every time you put the bridle on her, she goes out and gives her best effort. It makes my job a lot easier. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to find races for her this year, but we’re hoping she can come up with a strong effort this weekend.”

Key Contenders

Sparkles’ Girl, by Society’s Chairman
Last 3 Beyers: 71-74-76

◗ Sparkles’ Girl set a slow pace in the Algoma Stakes. She has tactical speed, and should be able to stalk other speed in this event.

Trini Brewnette, by Milwaukee Brew
Last 3 Beyers: 77-68-49

◗ The Algoma Stakes was her first win since she took the South Ocean Stakes as a 2-year-old in 2015.

Bear Paw, by Bear’s Kid
Last 3 Beyers: 73-68-72

◗ She encountered traffic trouble on the turn before rallying well down the stretch to run second behind Trini Brewnette in the Algoma Stakes, which was her stakes debut.

Niigon’s Legacy, by Niigon
Last 3 Beyers: 81-73-83

◗ She’s run first or second in all five of her starts this meet, all in allowance company. She’s also been on the lead in all five of those starts, and figures to be the pacesetter Sunday.