Woodbine: I’m Not Afraid eyes third win at meet

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – I’m Not Afraid began the year on a high note with two consecutive victories, and she may be ready to notch her third win of the meet Thursday at Woodbine in a second-level allowance with a $60,000 claiming option.

I’m Not Afraid performed well without finding the mark at Arlington and in Kentucky last year. She changed trainers over the winter, going from Dan Peitz to Julia Carey, who sent her out to graduate off a five-month layoff in a six-furlong maiden special May 1.

I’m Not Afraid reappeared in a first-level allowance June 10, and she led throughout the six-furlong sprint to score by 3 1/2 lengths while earning an 81 Beyer Speed Figure. She ran flat in a subsequent turf experiment, but then rebounded with a half-length loss Aug. 10 at this class on Polytrack.

On Thursday, I’m Not Afraid stretches out a little to seven furlongs, and money rider Eurico Da Silva retains the mount.

Gold Dust Lady was nosed out of second by I’m Not Afraid when traveling 6 1/2 furlongs Aug. 10. A month earlier, she captured a six-furlong event at this level with just a 72 Beyer.

Gold Dust Lady has two wins from four starts over seven furlongs, but she missed the board in both of her tries at that distance this year. Jim McAleney will ride her again for trainer Lorne Richards, a combination that is 3 for 7 at the meet.

Miss Clairton is making her third start on this side of the pond. She carried 131 pounds when she romped in a seven-furlong handicap on Polytrack in England last August and was fourth behind Gold Dust Lady after a long layoff in her local debut.

Most recently, Miss Clairton stalked the pace on the outside before ending up third in a turf sprint. She has since breezed a half-mile in 48 seconds for trainer Roger Attfield.

Twist of Silver also commenced her career in England and did most of her damage there on the grass. She won her second North American start in a six-furlong allowance here May 15, but has struggled in the interim.

Miss Lola disappointed in her last two outings on the grass, but she won a fast seven-furlong allowance on Polytrack here April 29.

Lucky Melissa also has struggled on the lawn since capturing a seven-furlong allowance in the spring and is returning from a freshening.