Woodbine: Langstaff in good spot in Deputy Minister

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – The once-beaten Langstaff gets some class relief Wednesday night at Woodbine in the $125,000 Deputy Minister Stakes, a seven-furlong sprint for Ontario-sired 3-year-olds.

Langstaff graduated from off the pace over five furlongs April 21, then doubled up a month later in a six-furlong allowance, for which he got a 78 Beyer Speed Figure.

Langstaff switched to the turf June 8 in the six-furlong Bold Ruckus Stakes. After lacking room at the back of the pack on the turn, he closed furiously through the long stretch to prevail by a neck over Click.

“It was a super effort,” trainer Bob Tiller said. “He had a troubled trip on the inside. I didn’t think he was going to get there until the last few jumps. He’s obviously a very talented horse.”

Langstaff finally met his match in Black Hornet in the $150,000 Achievement Stakes, a six-furlong dash for Ontario-breds on June 29. Black Hornet scored comfortably over Langstaff, who finished five lengths clear of the third horse while putting up his second straight 84 Beyer.

Tiller also entered Jade Dragon, who was beaten a half-length by Langstaff when second May 18. He went on to finish first and third in two other Ontario-sired allowances.

Luis Contreras will ride Langstaff, the 124-pound highweight, and Tyler Pizarro retains the mount on Jade Dragon.

Canuspellpatience figures to lead the way in his first start beyond six furlongs. He finished second to the talented Skyrish with an 84 Beyer in his May 18 debut, then faded to fifth after being rated in a stalking position in the Bold Ruckus.

Canuspellpatience earned another 84 Beyer on June 23, when he graduated on the lead by 7 1/4 lengths going five furlongs on Polytrack.

“That was a nice race,” trainer Ralph Biamonte said. “He acts like he’ll go seven-eighths. We’ve been jogging him a mile and galloping him a mile, and he hasn’t gotten too tired. He’s a nice horse.”

Silent Admirer is shortening up off an Ontario-sired allowance victory traveling 1 1/16 miles for trainer Reade Baker, who has solid numbers with turnbacks.

Top Marc in Class graduated on the lead in his last outing over seven furlongs on grass, which might be his preferred surface. His trainer, Gail Cox, has been winning at a healthy 31 percent clip at the meet.

I’m a Kittyhawk, who upset Ontario-sired 3-year-old fillies in the May 25 Lady Angela Stakes, was supplemented for $2,500 by trainer Franz Crean.