HOT STUFF

(Thank you to Todd Phillips for photos of Jambalaya at Arlington)




Jambalaya is back at Woodbine and getting some good zzzz's (as are his caretakers) after a big trip to Chicago that saw him win the Arlington Million over a grass course that was probably not his preferred (he likes it very firm).
With three races now in the last 6 weeks, the gelding may get a short rest and perhaps pass on the Man o' War Stakes at Belmont. Hopefully, the main goal is the Breeders' Cup Turf at Monmouth Park.
Sky Conqueror, Jambo's main rival, is awaiting the Nijinsky Stakes here at Woodbine.

MID SEASON REPORT CARD

Just some fun here- rating the divisions of horses as we are halfway through the year and getting set for the fall season.

POLYTRACK – B-

Might be a bit generous, but it’s better than it was last fall and this spring. New trackman Irwin Driedger is determined to solve the Poly-mystery. Surface causes different injuries to horses but helps to avoid more of previous injuries.

QUALITY OF RACING - B

Field size has been up a horse, let’s hope it continues that way and even with more quantity, the racing has been exciting and we have some really good local horses.

3YO FILLIES – A-

Sealy Hill and Bear Now run in the 90s and win races going long, short, turf or Poly. Nothing from them south of the border but a very good division this year.

3YO COLTS – C

Three different winners of the Triple Crown races and Beyer Figures are low. Best of the bunch could be Leonnatus Anteas.

OLDER MALES (Polytrack) – B

A good group with True Metropolitan back this year and formidable opponents such as Palladio and Gouldings Green.

OLDER FEMALES – C-

As usual, it’s a light group so far. The Belle Mahone Stakes coming up might clear the picture a bit but there are not enough races for this class. Financingavailable is still good and Vestrey Lady, She’s Indy Money, Arden Belle are some other names.

TURF MALES – A+

Jambalaya and Sky Conqueror, not much more to be said. Both are Grade 1 winners this year and hopefully more to come.

TURF FEMALES C-

Nothing going on in this division, again, more races for older males going long on turf and not enough in this category.

SPRINT C

No standout, Main Executive is back, Gangster won the Bold Venture. Judiths Wild Rush runs in route races now.

OWNERS A

Bill Sorokolit, Eugene Melnyk, Woodford Racing, Kingfield Farm etc. An enthusiastic and successful group of owners and breeders.

TRAINERS B-

Last year’s Sovereign Award winner Mark Casse has done some good things this year with his runners. Regular leaders Robert Tiller, Sid Attard and Reade Baker have decent meetings.

JOCKEYS B-

A competitive jockey’s room with Tyler Pizarro leading by number of wins – if you are an apprentice at Woodbine, you lead the jockeys colony. Patrick Husbands is having a good year. Jim McAleney has missed most of year but is due back this week.