Works say Keen Gizmo ready to fire in comeback

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Keen Gizmo has been working up a storm for his comeback. He should be prominent in Friday’s featured second-level optional claimer, which is scheduled for seven furlongs in lane 1 on the grass.

Keen Gizmo, a flashy chestnut trained by Josie Carroll, has started only twice this year. He finished up the track behind Where’s the Widget off a six-month absence May 23 in the Steady Growth Stakes and has been idle since a front-running second behind Turncoat in an optional-claiming route on the turf here July 10.

Keen Gizmo won three of seven outings last year. He also was promoted from third to second by disqualification in the Steady Growth.

Keen Gizmo has recorded a series of impressive drills this fall, including a six-furlong breeze in 1:12.60 on Oct. 22. Last Sunday, he went an easy half-mile in company in 48.40 under regular rider Luis Contreras, who will be aboard Friday.

The headliner goes as race 2 on a nine-race card that has a first post of 1:10 p.m. Eastern, 10 minutes later than usual.

KEY CONTENDERS

Keen Gizmo, by Giant Gizmo

Last 3 Beyers: 87-78-83

◗ He is the least-accomplished offspring of the young Victory Gallop mare Keen Victory, who has produced two horses who won stakes this year, Conquest Enforcer and Conquest Vivi. Giant Gizmo is Canada’s second-leading sire in progeny earnings this year, trailing only Old Forester.

Hollywood Hideaway, by Zensational

Last 3 Beyers: 83-87-86

◗ He won a seven-furlong, entry-level allowance on the grass here three races back July 31. He subsequently ran second to Berliner before ending up fifth in an optional-claiming route on the grass most recently Sept. 10.

◗ The turnback in distance from 1 1/8 miles seems ideal for the fast-working Hollywood Hideaway, especially since his trainer, Barb Minshall, possesses excellent numbers with route-to-sprint runners.

San Nicola Thunder, by Silent Name

Last 3 Beyers: 77-82-86

◗ The classy veteran is coming off a trailing ninth over good turf in the slow-paced Bunty Lawless Stakes. He captured two turf sprints during the first half of the meet when he was tagged for $60,000 and $40,000. He runs with a $60,000 price on Friday.

Badjeros Boy, by Singing Saint

Last 3 Beyers: 82-78-74

◗ He ended a long drought Oct. 23 in a one-mile allowance. He got away slowly and was bumped in the stretch before closing strongly to beat a modest group.

◗ He doesn’t appear to have much speed to run at in this acid test but could be along for a share.