Wild N Clever knows way to winner's circle
ETOBICOKE, Ontario—The speedy win machine Wild N Clever comes off the sidelines on the first Friday card of the meet in the eighth race at Woodbine, a second-level optional claimer on the Tapeta main track.
Wild N Clever took four of six outings last year, including her season opener in a $32,000 dash, for which she got a career-high 90 Beyer Speed Figure. She also won her second start off the bench in a slowly run optional claimer and then capped her spring campaign with a victory in her turf debut in another optional event.
Wild N Clever threw in a rare clunker in August after a summer vacation but then rebounded by beating $32,000 opposition in September. She came up empty after a stalking trip in her final 2015 appearance in November.
Emma-Jayne Wilson has the mount on Wild N Clever, who was entered with a $60,000 claiming tag by trainer Nick Gonzalez.
The five-furlong headliner attracted five others. The Jackpot Hi 5 carryover heading into the ninth and final race is $20,121.
KEY CONTENDERS
Wild N Clever, by Offlee Wild
Last 3 Beyers: 73-74-52
◗ She isn’t the only speed in the field, and it will be interesting to see how she deals with Flower Dean and possibly Peggy O on the front. Will she vie for the lead or attend the pace on the outside before making her move?
Flower Dean, by Flower Alley
Beyers: 79-54
◗ The 4-year-old captured both of her outings on the front end last fall, including a six-furlong, first-level allowance in 1:10. Justin Stein rode her in those two starts and will ride her again for trainer Pat Parente.
Bear’s Pearl, by Seeking the Dia
Last 3 Beyers: 65-61-67
◗ The Bear Stable homebred has been a force in the optional-claiming ranks here in recent years.
◗ Her two-race winter stint at Gulfstream was forgettable, and she’s worked predominantly on the training track in preparation for her return from a layoff.
◗ Her trainer, Mike De Paulo, leads the standings with four wins from 12 starters. Two of those tallies came in stakes.
Peggy O, by Philanthropist
Last 3 Beyers: 75-71-79
◗ She had a successful campaign last fall before ending up third in the Jammed Lovely Stakes.
◗ Her tactical speed is one of her most effective weapons, and she’s worked fast for her return from a winter break.
Casablanca Kiss, by Pure Prize
Last 3 Beyers: 79-81-69
◗ She dusted $40,000 claimers in her 2015 season opener in June and then got the summer off before finishing in the top four in her three fall races.