Turf or Tapeta – doesn't matter to Roxy Red

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – The versatile Roxy Red should be competitive in Friday’s Woodbine headliner, regardless of the surface.

The six-furlong sprint, for nonwinners-of-three Ontario-sired allowance stock or $40,000 claimers, is scheduled for lane 5 on the turf.

A late bloomer trained by Nick Nosowenko, Roxy Red has won two of nine starts this year at age 5. She finally graduated in her 15th start Aug. 19, when she dueled for the lead before drawing clear in a $40,000 turf sprint.

Roxy Red finished a lapped-on fourth after closing from midpack in a large field of conditioned claimers going six furlongs on the grass Aug. 30. Her last race was switched to the main track from the turf, during which she wired $40,000 nonwinners-of-two types after setting moderate splits traveling seven furlongs.

The feature goes as the third race on an appealing nine-race card.

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KEY CONTENDERS

Roxy Red, by Red Giant

Last 3 Beyers: 76-66-65

◗ Second-leading rider Luis Contreras, who was aboard for both of her victories, retains the mount. Since the beginning of 2016, he has won at a 20 percent clip for Nosowenko.

Fresh Princess, by Giant Gizmo

Last 3 Beyers: 75-64-77

◗ The stocky 3-year-old peaked in the summer, when she graduated with a 77 Beyer before ending up second to Listenlindalisten in the restricted Passing Mood Stakes, which was moved to the Tapeta at the last minute.

◗ She finished a flat fifth over a speed-favoring course the only time she competed on turf Aug. 25, then ran second after a four-wide trip in a slow-paced sprint at this level.

◗ Patrick Husbands will ride Fresh Princess again for trainer Tony Gattellaro, who has worked her twice leading up to this engagement.

Bella Fabiana, by Court Vision

Last 3 Beyers: 55-69-62

◗ She didn’t accomplish much during the first half of the meet, but is eligible to improve off the $20,000 claim by trainer Marty Drexler. He has an impressive 35 percent strike rate first time off the claim since the beginning of last year.

Lady Brie, by Parading

Last 3 Beyers: 67-67-68

◗ She wound up second and first in her two most recent races, both going long against nonwinners-of-two stock, and makes her first start off a $40,000 claim.

Specialcnsydration, by Artie Schiller

Last 3 Beyers: 74-66-64

◗ She has been knocking on the door against $20,000 nonwinners-of-two opposition and may not be out of her league with these.