Trainer Gdp Inc. opted to add blinkers for this four year old bays run in the Gr. I Phipps, and she didn’t like not being able to see her competition. She will get full view here and that should have her fighting till the wire.

• ONT Matron Stakes – Grade III Purse $125.000
• Woodbine Racetrack – For Fillies & Mares Three years old and up
• One mile and a sixteenth- Main track
• July 13th, 2019

While she has just one win this season against allowance company, Introverted has been letting racers know she can be tough. Yes her SRF numbers have slid since the Gr.I Apple Blossom when she missed by a nose in a photo, but the route events seem to agree with her. While rider Wilson has not been called upon for this race, Lermyte takes charge and hopefully he can overcome some of his weaknesses for this affair.

Looking at the field we have Hands Up ( The Sidley Stud ) starting from post one. This five year old mare was doing quite well closing out last season competing in N.Y. restricted stakes, but has just one start against Graded company in her career, that coming in the Gr. III Royal Delta at GP where she finished fourth. In her twenty seven career starts, she has yet to step foot on this oval. SRF numbers are moving in the right direction, but there are a few in here a bit more qualified.

Out of the two hole will be Phun Stick who is trained by a fellow former writer of the SRF, Sccj Stables. Trainer has been struggling this season with only three victories in 123 starts, and I know that is not sitting well with him. This five year old mare was a major cash purchase this past February and she has yet to pay off dividends. Has yet to win an event going longer and while she will probably be in the hunt for the opening seven eights of a mile, I wouldn’t hedge her chances late.

Wearing the number three silks will be John Henry’s Red Broom. Her past performance has shown she is a brilliant runner, that is if she has the grass under his feet. This will be her first attempt back on the dirt since a morning dirt work back last October. She has only raced on the grass, so whats in the cards for her here. Jockey Husbands is a two time winner of this affair ( 08, 16 ) so that will definitely help. My main concern is the footing and for me, that’s a major distraction. Minor share maybe????

From the four post is Classic Tail ( Ashwood Farms ) who during the Gr. III Santa Barbara Stakes took to lead by two lengths at the half mile mark of the event, and continued to be two lengths better at the wire. That was a twelve panel event, so today’s distance should not be a factor, Stein in the irons is also a plus firing at 30%, and her most recent mile and an eighth race against Alw75 company over this very track is also plus when she finished just a half length shy. The Santa Barbara was this trainers first ever Graded win since joining in 2006, so you know where his love stands. Watch for her down the lane.

Number five is worn by Ishtar Viking ( Nakamura Stables ) who has only eight starts to her credit, but has managed to snatch up three wins since July of last season. The sophomore broke her maiden on the turf last year, but has yet to return to that footing. Her other two wins were a Clm7.5 and a Alw22.5 against non winners of one this year. Has no stakes experience and for me it is part of the pre-requisite to doing well at this level. no 90+ SRF figures also have me looking elsewhere today.

The six hole will be occupied by Cambodia and trainer Smokey Stover. This sophomore black filly has been making a name for herself where ever she races. Has already won five of eight career starts, and has finished seven out of eight in the money. While she does have some stakes experience, she has yet to race at the Graded level. She has won three of five in route company, two at today’s distance. She has earned the respect of the betting public with her last five starts being post time favorite, and if ever I was looking for an underdog to upset, look no further.

While Introverted starting in post seven, the eight hole will be controlled by First Street Stables Fifi Tinkerbell. While it is quite the feminine name, she has been proving she is a bit of a tough cookie. Broke her maiden two starts ago, then captured the $100 Star Shoots going six panels. Stepped it up a notch in May when she placed fourth in the Gr.III Colors at CD. Definitely not afraid by returning here and DaSilva is no slouch in the irons. Distance is my only concern with her.

The final runner from post nine will be Mb Stables Innocent Approach. Hasn’t won since her opener of the season against Alw26.5 at SUN, but trainer has been keeping the faith with this dark sophomore. Did place third by only a neck three starts ago in the Gr. I SA Oaks, then came back with another show placing in the Gr. II Black-Eyed Susan. Being an Ontario bred she competed in last months $500 WO Oaks placing fourth, just a length shy. May find this field a little less intense, and that may work to her advantage.

Side Note: In the past five seasons of this event, all have been won by three year olds, all going to prove the strength that is coming out of the breeder sheds in comparison to the Auto-Gen market these days.

Duffer

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES