Yorkton gassed up for run at Nearctic

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Yorkton was rejuvenated off a layoff last time when he took the Grade 3 Bold Venture on the Tapeta, and the versatile speedster will try to double up on turf in Saturday’s Grade 2 Nearctic on the Canadian International undercard.

Yorkton finished a close second in last year’s Nearctic after his rider dropped his whip in the six-furlong sprint. Following a dismal start to his current campaign, trainer Stu Simon gave him the summer off, and he won the 6 ½-furlong Bold Venture Sept. 14 with Patrick Husbands aboard for the first time.

“He had some things go wrong earlier this year,” Simon said. “He grabbed a quarter really bad. We wanted to totally regroup and start over.”

A field of nine will line up in the $250,000 Nearctic, including one European shipper, the Group 3-placed Woody Creek from Ireland.

KEY CONTENDERS

Yorkton, by Speightstown

Last 3 Beyers: 95-83-84

◗ With lots of other potential speed in the lineup, he appears to have his work cut out for him.

Woody Creek, by Zoffany

Last 3 Beyers: NA-NA-NA

◗ Eimeor McHugh, an assistant to trainer James Stack, said the Craig Bernick-owned 3-year-old filly had a troubled trip when fifth in a Sept. 20 stakes at Ayr.

◗ “She got boxed in a little bit, and made up an awful lot of lengths coming home,” said McHugh. “If what happened to her in the race didn’t happen, she probably would have finished second or third. She settles well into races, and normally she finishes very well.”

Richiesinthehouse, by Sidney’s Candy

Last 3 Beyers: 92-96-77

◗ The front-runner, who is 5 for 7 this year, is putting a two-race win streak on the line. After landing a July 6 stakes on Polytrack for Illinois-breds at Arlington, he won a 6 ½-furlong handicap on the Tapeta at Presque Isle Downs Sept. 16.

Boreal Spirit, by North Light

Last 3 Beyers: 89-85-85

◗ The front-runner has been pointed toward this event since notching his second consecutive win in an open allowance over five furlongs on the inner turf Aug. 23. One could argue that the 7-year-old has never been better.

Blind Ambition, by Tapit

Last 3 Beyers: 88-91-94

◗ A multiple stakes winner in New York, he won a second-level optional claimer from a stalking position here off a 9 ½-month absence in his first start for trainer Mark Casse Sept. 6.

Lookin to Strike, by Lookin At Lucky

Last 3 Beyers: 84-89-61

◗ Last year’s Grade 3 Ontario Derby victor, he came from last to lose his Aug. 23 season opener by a nose to Boreal Spirit. He’s turning back off a troubled ninth-place finish in the Presque Isle Downs Mile, and should have a good setup in this event.