Tidal Dancer looks to graduate in style in Coronation Futurity

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Tidal Dancer will look to build off of his runner-up effort behind Tiz a Slam in the Cup and Saucer Stakes on turf Oct. 22 when he runs in Sunday’s $250,000 Coronation Futurity for Canadian-bred 2-year olds over 1 1/8-miles on Woodbine’s Tapeta.

The Coronation Futurity could provide an early look at some of the key contenders in next summer’s Queen’s Plate.

Tidal Dancer encountered traffic through the turn in the Cup and Saucer, but still managed to finish 1 3/4 lengths back of Tiz a Slam in the 1 1/16-mile turf race. He’s the lone maiden in the Coronation Futurity field but has the best last-out Beyer Speed Figure, a 77.

“He ran well,” trainer Malcolm Pierce said of Tidal Dancer’s effort in the Cup and Saucer. “I’m not saying he would have won the race, but with a little better trip he would have made it closer.”

Tidal Dancer breezed five furlongs in 1:00.80 on Nov. 5 on the dirt training track in preparation for this start, his first on a surface other than turf.

“I was very happy with his work,” Pierce said.

Coronation Futurity

Key Contenders

Tidal Dancer, by Stormy Atlantic

Beyers: 77-64

◗ Tidal Dancer finished fourth as the favorite in his career debut, which came in a maiden race over 6 1/2 furlongs on turf Sept. 24. Pierce said a slow start cost him the race.

“He broke a little slow and by the time he got going the race was over,” he said.

Woodbridge, by Langfuhr

Last 3 Beyers: 71-74-71

◗ He won his maiden going long on the Tapeta in his most recent start Oct. 2. Prior to that, he was second on the turf to Golden Hawk, who came back to win the Grade 3 Grey Stakes by five lengths.

◗ He has stakes experience, having run third to Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf seventh-place finisher Channel Maker in the Vandal Stakes here in August.

State of Honor, by To Honor and Serve

Last 3 Beyers: 76-54-70

◗ He figures to be forwardly placed after winning his maiden in front-running fashion by 4 3/4 lengths over seven furlongs Oct. 19.

◗ He finished evenly for sixth after being rank early going 1 1/16 miles in a maiden race Oct. 2. Prior to that, he led to the stretch and faded to fourth in a similar race, earning a 70 Beyer.

King and His Court, by Court Vision

Last 3 Beyers: 72-67-65

◗ He’ll make his first start for leading trainer Mark Casse and will add Lasix after running third in the Grade 3 Grey Stakes for trainer Alex Patykewich on Oct. 9.

◗ He’s finished third in his last three starts – two stakes and the prep for the Grade 2 Summer Stakes.