Stakes Tracker: Early look at Canadian International, QE II
Before the racing calendar essentially goes quiet in the lead up to the Breeders’ Cup, a trio of Grade 1 events highlight Saturday’s slate at Woodbine and Keeneland. Get an early look at the fields via Horse Racing Nation’s Stakes Tracker.
Grade 1, $800,000 Canadian International
While the prospective field lacks a true standout, as many of 13 runners will go postward in a 1 1/2-mile turf feature that looks like a nice betting race.
Won last year by the late Bullards Alley in a 42-1 upset, the Canadian International is led by Manhattan (G1) winner Spring Quality from the Graham Motion barn. Connections must believe he’s fresh, but not necessarily Breeders’ Cup-ready, given the 6-year-old by Quality Road just ran seventh Sept. 29 in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1).
Horses coming out of Kentucky Downs are performing well, as usual, with Arklow fitting the bill here off a score in the Kentucky Turf Cup (G3). Johnny Bear, the Northern Dancer Turf (G1) winner, heads up local contenders, while Group 2/3 winner Thundering Blue is an intriguing European runner.
Post positions will be drawn Wednesday.
Grade 1, $500,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge CupSaturday’s feature for 3-year-old fillies at Keeneland is an invitation-only event, with Chad Brown-trained Rushing Fall the likely favorite going nine furlongs over a course on which she’s won. The QE II should attract runners from both coasts with Del Mar Oaks (G1) winner Fatale Bere for trainer Leonard Powell, plus internationally with Group 2 winners Mission Impassible and Nyaleti on the invite list.
Grade 1, $500,000 E. P. Taylor Stakes
The Canadian International’s top undercard event for fillies and mares going 10 furlongs — also on the grass — looks to be led by the consistent Brown runner Santa Monica, who won the Dance Smartly (G2) two starts back in her previous trip to Woodbine. This race will feature overseas runners, too, but with a smaller field size than the day’s feature.
Also this week…
• My Gal Betty leads Keeneland’s Jessamine Stakes
• Chasing Yesterday, American Pharoah’s half-sister, returns Sunday