Woodbine: Distance a concern for Flashy Margaritta in Frost King Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Trainer Ralph Biamonte will try to win the $125,000 Frost King Stakes for the third time Saturday at Woodbine, when he saddles Flashy Margaritta in the seven-furlong sprint for Ontario-sired 2-year-olds.

Biamonte captured the 2011 Frost King with Jenna’s Wabbit and won it the year before with Flashy Margaritta’s half-brother Citius.

Flashy Margaritta ended up fifth in his debut, and since then has won both of his outings on the front end. He graduated by nine lengths in a five-furlong maiden special Aug. 11 and then made all the running over a speed-favoring track in the six-furlong Bull Page Stakes under Patrick Husbands.

Biamonte said the added furlong will be a stamina test for Flashy Margaritta.

“I’m a little concerned about the distance,” Biamonte said. “He’s not a real big horse, but he’s a gritty little bugger.”

Clarendon Stakes winner Spin the King was the 3-5 favorite in the Oct. 14 Bull Page, but he could only manage second after a stalking trip under Luis Contreras. David Moran will ride him for the first time Saturday.

Trainer Brian Lynch felt that Spin the King was given too much to do in the Bull Page.

“Flashy Margaritta got to dictate the terms,” Lynch said. “Ralph had his horse ready, and [Husbands] gave him a good ride.”

With more speed in the 10-horse Frost King field, Lynch said things could go Spin the King’s way.

“We’re going to be insured a legitimate pace,” Lynch said. “I’m certainly looking forward to stretching him out to seven furlongs. I’m not frightened of the distance. He could possibly take a step forward going a little further. His last couple works were real good. You hope that he’ll get two turns. He’s eligible for a lot of conditions going into his 3-year-old year, if he can.”

Spadina Road checked in third in the Bull Page, seven weeks after his dull performance in the seven-furlong Swynford, an open stakes. He earned his diploma in a romp at first asking July 28.

Iron Wolf should be a speed threat in his first appearance since airing in his June 30 opener over five furlongs.

Figy’s Mobil Pride encountered trouble at the break before finishing a creditable fourth in the Bull Page.

Hope for Fame, a son of hot juvenile sire Sligo Bay, overcame a tardy start to land his recent debut going three-quarters.