Two look dangerous in debuts

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - First-time starters Dancingall Theway and Diplomatic Impact are intriguing possibilities in Thursday's eighth race at Woodbine, a mile and 70-yard maiden special for Ontario-sired 2-year-olds.

Dancingall Theway is sent out by leading trainer Mark Casse, who has won with numerous first-timers at the meeting. His record with 2-year-old first-timers over the past five years is 3 for 11, and his ROI on those runners is a sensational $11.79.

Dancingall Theway is by low-percentage debut sire A Fleets Dancer, a Grade 3 stakes winner, who won 12 of 41 route starts on the dirt, for earnings of just over $1 million.

Dancingall Theway is a half-brother to Christies Treasure, who finished second in the 1 1/16-mile Tweedside Stakes on the turf at Belmont Park in July.

Patrick Husbands will ride.

Diplomatic Impact has worked extensively for trainer Bob Tiller, who's also had success with debuting 2-year-olds during this decade.

Diplomatic Impact is a full brother to stakes-winning router Moon Path and stakes-placed sprinter Moon Worship. Emma Wilson has the mount on the $55,000 yearling buy.

The other obvious contenders in the 11-horse field are Mamma's Knight, Wilberforce, Bold Suspect, Silent Knight, and Go in Peace.

Mamma's Knight made both of his starts in seven-furlong maiden sprints for Ontario-sired stock, finishing fourth in his debut and second with the addition of Lasix next out. By stamina sire Ascot Knight, Mamma's Knight has a license to handle a route of ground.

Wilberforce finished in the top three in 3 of his 7 starts, but was ineffective in two starts in restricted stakes company. He never challenged when fifth most recently in the Bull Page Stakes.

Bold Suspect finished far back in his July 2 debut. He didn't see action again until Oct. 6, when he rallied for third behind Mamma's Knight. He's worked five furlongs twice since then, and might enjoy stretching out, despite his speed-oriented pedigree.

Silent Knight raced very wide throughout his latest over 1 1/16 miles against $40,000 maidens and managed to run third. He's shedding the blinkers Thursday for what will be his second start with Lasix, and is probably no more than a minor player.

Go in Peace broke slowly and then closed wide to end up fourth behind Silent Knight at 64-1 in his Oct. 21 debut.