Will Tailor's Thread wire 'em?

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Front-running Tailor's Thread will try to hold off a closing Miller's Mark and seven others in Friday's Woodbine feature, a six-furlong optional claimer on the turf.

Tailor's Thread is fresh off a three-length score over $40,000 claimers July 18. He dueled up front through an opening quarter of 22.80 seconds in that six-furlong turf dash, and established a daylight lead after a half in 45.80. He had plenty left after setting those relatively slow fractions, and pulled away in the final furlong to finish in 1:09.40.

CEC Farm and trainer Ross Armata claimed Tailor's Thread that day from trainer Mike Wright Jr. The horse almost surely will have to cope with a more taxing pace this time, but could be the dominant speed if he has retained his sharpness.

Emile Ramsammy has the mount on 8-year-old Tailor's Thread, who has amassed over $450,000 in earnings. He will run carrying a $62,500 claiming price.

Miller's Mark, another durable veteran, won a $40,000 starter over a mile on the turf in his last race, on July 29.

Miller's Mark earned a career high Beyer Speed Figure of 90 when he won a six-furlong turf event for $32,000 stock in his second start following a long layoff June 8, and is probably at his best when sprinting on the grass. He finished a neck back in second in a seven-furlong race at this level June 29.

Patrick Husbands has the mount for trainer Mark Casse.

Completing the field for Friday's headliner are Bold Engagement, Friend of Mine, Bo Naskra, Robthevet, Transferred, Spring Barley, and Run Lil Tooch. Rare Endeavour was entered for the main track only.

Run Lil Tooch finished fifth over soft ground at this distance in the Grade 2 Nearctic Handicap in 2000, and was winless in 11 starts on the year. He ended that drought with by springing a 32-1 upset in a six-furlong dash in his 2001 debut, in which he held off stakes-placed Alea Iacta Est in the final strides to win by a neck.

Run Lil Tooch set an honest pace before fading to fifth going a mile two starts back, and ran in a similar manner when he ran sixth most recently in the seven-furlong allowance prep for the Play the King Handicap.

Janet Bedford trains Run Lil Tooch, who should be troublesome if he rates kindly just off the speed on the outside before going in for the kill, like he did in his opener.

* "Woodbine Post Time" will be on Sportsnet Friday from 4 to 5 p.m.