Starter allowance sets up well for Modus Operandi

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Starter allowances are back in vogue at Woodbine, and there’s a good one on turf on Friday’s eight-race twilight card that could set up for the versatile Modus Operandi.

The 6 1/2-furlong sprint, race 6, is for females who have started for $12,500 claiming or less since the beginning of 2016. It contains lots of speed, which could play into the hands of a stalking Modus Operandi.

Modus Operandi was a bargain $12,500 claim by Alpine Stable and trainer Vito Armata out of a victory on the main track last November. She has competed predominantly on the Tapeta ever since and was victorious in her season opener in a $20,000 starter.

Modus Operandi has hit the board in three of her four subsequent outings, all in first-level allowance company. She defeated Ontario-sired allowance opposition going long on the grass last October.

KEY CONTENDERS

Modus Operandi, by Marchfield

Last 3 Beyers: 68-73-74

◗ David Moran, her regular rider, is aboard Friday. Moran and Armata have combined for a win, two seconds, and two thirds from 11 runners at this stand.

Unseen Angels, by Kantharos

Last 3 Beyers: 60-72-79

◗ She rode a speed bias to victory in her penultimate race, a $20,000 turf sprint. Most recently, in a $12,500 starter, she faded to eighth after getting softened up in a speed duel with the classy Green Doctor who came back to finish third for $50,000.

◗ Leading rider Eurico Da Silva retains the mount on Unseen Angels, who is trained by Norm McKnight. He is 17 for 36 at the meet for the high-percentage McKnight barn.

Real Coal, by Cool Coal Man

Last 3 Beyers: 58-70-71

◗ She defeated $32,000 claimers with determination after racing up front in a turf sprint June 9, but wilted in another turf sprint after a stalking trip against first-level allowance opposition in her latest.

◗ She breaks from the rail, and it seems probable that she’ll duke it out on the lead with Unseen Angels.

My Cantata, by Sardegna

Last 3 Beyers: 68-52-58

◗ She has the same connections as Unseen Angels and was victorious in a $20,000 conditioned claimer in her turf debut June 21.

◗ Expect her to take up the chase on the outside under Gary Boulanger.

Extremist, by Suave

Last 3 Beyers: 69-74-57

◗ She closed from off slow fractions for second in a one-mile route for $16,000 claimers two weeks ago. She could pick up some of the pieces under Patrick Husbands, who was aboard for that last race.

Athdara, by Leonnatus Anteas

Last 3 Beyers: 69-58-66

◗ She wired $10,000 conditioned opposition last time out on the main track and is a two-time winner on the grass.