Woodbine: Lucky Lotto much improved since adding Lasix

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – The promising 3-year-old Lucky Lotto will tackle older opposition over seven furlongs Friday at Woodbine in a second-level optional $62,500 claiming race.

Lucky Lotto had an inauspicious debut in maiden special company May 22, during which he failed to threaten while racing wide. A month later traveling seven furlongs, he blew away a field of $50,000 maidens with the addition of Lasix, scoring by five lengths in a time of 1:23.23, which translated into a solid 85 Beyer Speed Figure.

Lucky Lotto proved his maiden win wasn’t a fluke in a first-level allowance for 3-year-olds July 6. Altius was allowed to set a measured pace in the 6 1/2-furlong event, before Lucky Lotto came wide from fourth to collar him in deep stretch, winning with an 84 Beyer.

Jim McAleney, who was aboard for all three of Lucky Lotto’s starts, will get a leg up from trainer Sid Attard, a combination that’s 3 for 7 at the meet.

Attard also entered Wicket Ewok, who was claimed from a victorious performance against $40,000 3-year-olds June 15.

Dalkeith Ridge, a lightly-raced 5-year-old trained by Mark Casse, could make some noise after breaking from the outside in the 10-horse field.

Dalkeith Ridge won his first two starts in Polytrack sprints in the spring, including a seven-furlong allowance where he was awarded an 85 Beyer. He has been freshened since a subpar showing in an optional claimer on the grass June 12.

Stylish Citizen is starting for the first time since September 2009, when he checked in seventh in the Ontario Derby. He won the 2009 Charlie Barley Stakes under McAleney. Tyler Pizarro will ride him for trainer John Ross on Friday.

Top Prospect had a productive 2-year-old campaign last year. He was third in the May 1 Wando Stakes, before missing the board in two subsequent stakes, including one against older opponents on the grass.

Distorted Dave is making his first start for trainer Reade Baker following a 10-month layoff. He was a well-beaten third in last year’s Grade 3 Canadian Derby at Northlands, and scored twice over Santa Anita’s main track during the winter of 2010.

Kings Parade finished second and a close sixth in his two tries at this level, both over seven furlongs. He competed for as little as $11,500 last year at age 6.

Alisal has performed well twice here on Polytrack since being claimed for $35,000 at Gulfstream.