Sweater Weather looks for repeat in Classy 'n Smart Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Sweater Weather won the Algoma Stakes and Classy ’n Smart Stakes in back-to-back starts in 2016. She will look to repeat that feat at Woodbine on Sunday in the $125,000 Classy ’n Smart Stakes for Ontario-sired fillies and mares over 1 1/16 miles on Tapeta.

Sweater Weather was winless in three starts to begin her 2017 campaign, but on Aug. 30 she swept by the field to win the Algoma Stakes comfortably by 2 1/2 lengths over Sparkles’ Girl on Canadian Millions Sales Stakes Day.

“We pointed her for that race,” trainer Robert Tiller said. “I was kind of disappointed in a couple races this year, but she’s getting back to herself right now and getting herself geared up again. She got the job done and obviously we were very happy with her last performance.”

Tiller said he is happy with the way Sweater Weather is coming into this year’s edition of the Classy ’n Smart.

“She’s probably going to have to run back to her last race or even better because there’s a couple in there that weren’t in her last race that will be tough,” he said. “But she’s doing extremely well and we’re very pleased with her.”

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Key Contenders

Sweater Weather, by Milwaukee Brew
Last 3 Beyers: 83-71-77

◗ Leading rider Eurico Da Silva retains the mount after taking over for Jermaine Bridgmohan in the Algoma Stakes. Da Silva and Tiller have combined for a 23 percent strike rate over the past five years, according to DRF Formulator.

Sparkles’ Girl, by Society’s Chairman
Last 3 Beyers: 77-76-73

◗ She encountered traffic trouble at the top of the stretch along the inside in the Algoma, but ran on gamely to the wire once she did find racing room to be a clear second behind Sweater Weather.

Hot Kiss, by Philanthropist
Last 3 Beyers: 73-80-80

◗ Hot Kiss was second to Sweather Weather in this race last year.

◗ She’ll be making her first start since July 21.

◗ She faces restricted company for the first time this season.

Trini Brewnette, by Milwaukee Brew
Last 3 Beyers: 73-75-71

◗ She also encountered traffic trouble in the stretch in the Algoma, and rallied to be fourth behind Sweater Weather and Sparkles’ Girl.

Crumlin Spirit, by Court Vision
Last 3 Beyers: 81-76-78

◗ She’ll be looking for her first win of the year while stretching out around two turns for the first time this season. She comes off a fourth-place finish behind Ami’s Mesa in the Grade 3 Seaway Stakes over seven furlongs on Tapeta on Aug. 26.