Truvi poses threat to Hero’s Amor in Duchess of York
Hero’s Amor goes for her fourth win in a row when she tackles older fillies and mares in the $50,000 Duchess of York Handicap at Northlands Park on Saturday. Standing in her way is the much-improved Truvi, who will be shooting for three straight in the 1 1/16-mile race that drew seven horses.
Hero’s Amor started her win streak by romping in a $20,000 claiming race for 3-year-old fillies on July 31 and followed with another easy win in the $50,000 Sonoma on Aug. 15. The 5 1/4-length romp in the 1 1/16-mile Sonoma encouraged trainer Tim Rycroft to ship her to Hastings for the $100,000 British Columbia Oaks. With Rico Walcott aboard, she came from a stalking position to win the 1 1/8-mile race by a half-length over Ambleside Park.
“She came out of the Oaks in great shape, and I haven’t done much with her since,” said Rycroft. “She worked an easy half-mile last Saturday and seems to be doing extremely well right now.”
Walcott retains the mount.
Truvi, who was based at Woodbine last year, has improved dramatically in her last three starts for trainer Robert Kingston. She won her last two races by a combined 13 1/4 lengths. Prior to her impressive wins, she finished second going 1 1/16 miles behind Rock and Glory in the $75,000 City of Edmonton Distaff on Aug. 14.
“I think it took her a while to adjust her stride to the dirt,” said Kingston. “She also started to get better when she started going longer.”
Duchess of York, Race 7
KEY CONTENDERS
Hero’s Amor (Last 3 Beyers: 64-64-75)
◗ She has to concede weight to her older rivals, but she romped in her last two starts at Northlands and ran a huge race when she won the $100,000 BC Oaks in her last start.
Truvi (Last 3 Beyers: 72-77-64)
◗ This 4-year-old filly came back with two solid works following her blowout win over Salsa Express in an optional $25,000 claimer Sept. 7. She is versatile and should get a nice trip from a stalking position.
Brady’s Tomboy (Last 3 Beyers: 75-20-59)
◗ Trained by Dale Saunders, she is coming off a sharp win in the Fall Distaff Handicap, and last year she won the Duchess of York after upsetting the Fall Distaff. Déjà vu?
Smile Again Theta (Last 3 Beyers: 71-52-51)
◗ The Jerry Robertson-trained 7-year-old finished second as the heavy favorite in the Fall Distaff and could make amends if it comes up wet.