Woodbine: Cry War Eagle in easier spot in Wednesday feature

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Cry War Eagle drops from an optional-claiming race into an inviting spot in Wednesday’s nominal feature at Woodbine. The 1 1/16-mile claiming race is limited to nonwinners of three and Ontario-sired runners with unlimited wins.

Cry War Eagle is one of two entrants competing with a $40,000 tag, along with Clementis. Cry War Eagle was competitive in first-level allowance company on grass early this year at Gulfstream and Keeneland, where she ran second to the talented Prissy. Prissy subsequently won a second-level allowance at Churchill and a $100,000 stakes at Mountaineer.

Cry War Eagle cleared the first allowance condition here July 27, when she scored by five lengths over nine furlongs on Polytrack over a sharp Black Bird Rock.

Cry War Eagle had been sidelined for almost two months when she ran evenly for fifth in a 1 1/16-mile optional claimer on Polytrack on Sept. 22. Her entrymate that day, third-place finisher Royal Fury, came back to take last Friday’s Woodbine feature in a romp.

Luis Contreras will ride Cry War Eagle again for Amerman Racing and trainer Brian Lynch.

Clementis wired $16,000 claimers Sept. 20, when she earned a 71 Beyer Speed Figure, which matched Cry War Eagle’s last number. She came up empty after racing in third over a speed-favoring track in a nine-furlong allowance Oct. 14.

David Garcia retains the mount on the Alison Crook-trained Clementis.

The other five entrants all run for a $37,500 tag, including the slumping 4-year-old It’s Gail.

It’s Gail is winless in nine starts since her victory in the restricted Eternal Search Stakes in August 2012. Her form has deteriorated this year, but the large chestnut is coming off an improved fifth-place finish at this level on grass. Patrick Husbands takes over on the Bob Tiller trainee.

Inclusa has run three solid races this year since joining the Phil Gracey barn, all on grass in $40,000 conditioned claiming races. Following a long layoff Aug. 30, she sprang a 40-1 upset in a seven-furlong sprint.

Consecutive could hook up with Clementis on the early lead while making her first appearance since wiring $10,000 claimers Sept. 13.

Ian Black trains Consecutive and Niigon’s Princess, who was beaten a neck as the favorite last out in a slow $20,000 contest.

Rounding out the lineup is Estella, who has been idle since an uninspiring performance in a $32,000 turf mile Sept. 6.