Strut the Course stretches out in Maple Leaf Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Strut the Course was a dominant winner of the Classy ’n Smart Stakes on Sept. 28 and will stretch out to 1 1/4 miles for the first time in Saturday’s Grade 3, $150,000 Maple Leaf Stakes at Woodbine.

Strut the Course has won back-to-back starts and three of her last four after capturing the restricted, 1 1/16-mile Classy ’n Smart by 7 1/2 lengths over Silent Star. Trainer Barbara Minshall said she is not concerned about the added distance for Strut the Course in the Maple Leaf and believes her filly will put in a good effort.

“I think she will run well,” she said. “It’s a little farther than she’s ever gone before, but I don’t think distance is going to be an issue for her. She’s very rideable and ratable. She’s in good order, so I expect a good race from her.”

Jockey Luis Contreras will take over from Eurico Rosa Da Silva, who will be at Santa Anita on Saturday to ride Something Extra in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. Four Woodbine riders will be at Santa Anita on Saturday for the Breeders’ Cup, including Patrick Husbands, Gary Boulanger, and Jesse Campbell.

MAPLE LEAF STAKES (RACE 9)

KEY CONTENDERS

Strut the Course (Last 3 Beyers: 90-84-78)

◗ Strut the Course posted a career-best 90 Beyer Speed Figure in winning the Classy ’n Smart, closing into a quick pace set by Moonlit Beauty.

◗ She’ll face a tough challenge from Miss Mischief and likely will need to find her best to get by that one in the final strides.

Miss Mischief (Last 3 Beyers: 95-95-82)

◗ Miss Mischief will make her graded stakes debut off three straight victories on the Tapeta at Presque Isle Downs.

◗ She should be sitting closer to the pace than Strut the Course and could get the jump on that one turning for home.

Moonlit Beauty (Last 3 Beyers: 74-75-52)

◗ Moonlit Beauty, the winner of this event last season, went a little too quick on the lead last time in the Classy ’n Smart but should have her way on the front end again here. She could prove dangerous if she can get away with slow fractions early.

DISPLAY STAKES (RACE 4)

KEY CONTENDERS

Bourbon Cowboy (Last 3 Beyers: 80-81-75)

◗ Bourbon Cowboy has the highest last-out Beyer by 16 points and will add blinkers for his first start around two turns.

◗ He could find himself on the lead in a field that is devoid of early speed.

Hollywood Critic (Last 2 Beyers: 64-41)

◗ Hollywood Critic was a close third in the Grade 3 Grey Stakes last time behind International Star and Conquest Typhoon, who both were set to run in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf on Friday.

Glenville Gardens (Last 2 Beyers: 61-50)

◗ Glenville Gardens was blocked in the stretch when second to Display rival Sea to Sea in a seven-furlong maiden race Oct. 4. He should appreciate the added distance and will be coming from off the pace.