String Bikini finds less-ambitious spot

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – String Bikini, who was overmatched in a recent stakes, makes her first start in Ontario-sired allowance company in Friday’s nominal Woodbine feature, a 1 1/16-mile race for fillies and mares on the Tapeta.

It took String Bikini nine tries to earn her diploma, and she finally turned the trick two starts ago in a nine-furlong maiden special weight race for Ontario-sired stock. She raced four wide throughout and closed from sixth to prevail by nearly four lengths.

String Bikini met Canadian-breds on July 10 in the second leg of the Canadian triple tiara, the $250,000 Bison City Stakes. After breaking outward, she raced three wide and finished last in the seven-horse field, 10 lengths behind gate-to-wire winner Caren.

Five others were entered in the headliner, which is race 8 on a challenging nine-race program.

The temporary rail will be in lane 4 on the turf. The Jackpot Hi 5 carryover is $61,912.

KEY CONTENDERS

String Bikini, by Where’s the Ring

Last 3 Beyers: 66-64-64

◗ She is being reunited with Luis Contreras, who has been aboard for most of her races, including the maiden win. He is 4 for 23 at the meet when riding for String Bikini’s trainer, Nick Nosowenko.

Enchanting Ally, by Philanthropist

Last 3 Beyers: 69-41-59

◗ After struggling in the spring in her first three outings, she graduated over 1 1/16 miles with a wide stalking trip under Jesse Campbell on July 9. Campbell retains the mount and is 6 for 53 at the meet for the filly’s trainer, Nick Gonzalez, one of Woodbine’s streakiest trainers.

Clarkstoncandy, by Tethra

Beyers: 70-62

◗ The lightly raced 4-year-old came from left field to land her June 26 debut in a $25,000 sprint. Most recently, July 16 in a seven-furlong allowance, she got away slowly before rallying for fourth.

◗ The average win distance of Tethra’s offspring is 6.6 furlongs. The dam has produced two route winners on the main track from six starters, and the average win distance of her progeny is 6.9 furlongs.

Abby Grace, by Niigon

Last 3 Beyers: 64-48-52

◗ Under Sheena Ryan, she cut loose on the lead in her first turf assignment, which came vs. Ontario-sired maidens July 1, and then dug in gamely in the final furlong to score by a nose. The third- and fifth-place finishers both came right back to graduate.

◗ Her synthetic-track form is spotty. She has worked regularly on the dirt training track leading up to this acid test.