Stormy Rush: To bounce or not to bounce – that is the question

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Is Stormy Rush ripe for a bounce, or is he a fresh horse with upside in Friday’s Woodbine headliner? Those are questions handicappers must ponder when sizing up his chances in the six-furlong sprint for $40,000 claimers.

The classy 9-year-old Stormy Rush has been campaigned sporadically of late by trainer Lorne Richards. In five outings last year, he won a $50,000 claimer and finished second in an optional $62,500 claimer and a $50,000 claimer.

Stormy Rush has started just twice this year. He was third behind two sharp rivals, Circle of Friends and Ted W, in a second-level optional claimer June 3. Following a 5 1/2-month layoff, he prevailed in a $40,000 claimer after an ideal stalking trip Nov. 17 under Emma-Jayne Wilson, who retains the mount Friday.

Nine others were entered in the nominal feature, which goes as the eighth on an appealing nine-race program.

KEY CONTENDERS

Stormy Rush, by Stormy Atlantic

Last 3 Beyers: 85-83-88

◗ Running back just two weeks after a victory, he’s certainly eligible to regress, but the consistent former stakes competitor hasn’t earned a Beyer Speed Figure of less than 80 since his 2016 season opener. He drew well toward the outside and figures to parlay another stalking trip into another strong showing.

Giant Storm, by Lemon Drop Kid

Last 3 Beyers: 80-80-79

◗ Along with Villageofvibank, Smart Spree, and String Bikini, he’s among several live runners on the card sent out by trainer Norm McKnight, who’s been breathing down Mark Casse’s neck in the battle for leading trainer at the meet.

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Goodoldhockeygame, by Old Forester

Last 3 Beyers: 83-68-73

◗ The win-shy 5-year-old wound up second in his last two races, most recently behind Stormy Rush. Leading rider Eurico Da Silva keeps the mount and is 18 for 77 at the meet for trainer Robert Tiller, including eight stakes scores on Pink Lloyd.

Sweet Little Man, by Jazil

Last 3 Beyers: 88-85-83

◗ He is known for his hanging tendencies, but has more than earned his keep over the years. He finished either second or third in his last five starts, all in second-level optional-claiming company. He mounted a wide bid from sixth to end up third behind the tough duo of Occasional View and Sweet Grass Creek in his last race, which was taken off the turf.

Nashville Knight, by Bold Executive

Last 3 Beyers: 82-76-83

◗ He won the front-end battle but faded to fourth behind Stormy Rush last time out. That was his first try off a $32,000 claim by trainer Richard Morden.