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Vladimir Cerin arrives in the Big Smoke today and I fancy his chances in races one through three. Timid - not a word in his personal vocabulary? He sends a set of runners designed to make a big early impression and, surely, act as a clarion call for new owners to his burgeoning northern outpost. Punters can only benefit from the arrival of wise, established practitioners of thoroughbred preparation. 

FIRST   MY NATHALIE will be thrilled to navigate a short sprint after running on fumes at three quarters. The fit filly makes her initial appearance at Woodbine. Not Just A Rumor, bred to be fast, debuts for Sid Attard while taking the juice. Fiddlesticks was close to a breakthrough as the season ended last December. 

SECOND   ESSENCE OF CHARM has been put through a vigorous training schedule, culminating in a series of five furlong works. The daughter of a Kentucky Derby winner debuts in the Cerin barn. Escarpment represents the red hot Michael Doyle barn. Tapenade has the tricky rail. 

THIRD   RECOIL plunges in value and looks formidable as a “double figs advantage” contestant. Merkelis first time tagged, outside and fit after a couple of starts at Oaklawn. Dazzlin Dr Cologne is lightning quick and will be winging it on the front end. 

FOURTH   DUNDAS returns to the Reade Baker barn, always an interesting development, and is priced aggressively. Big G by The Sea takes a suspicious drop but Nick Gonzalez pumps out the winners at this time of the year and a quick stab at cash could well be the motivation for the plunge. Gulch Knight tries winners off a handy Maiden score. 

FIFTH   MSHONEYDUE could be an underlay. The filly drops to her lowest level ever while adding blinkers. She can make an impact travelling with cheapies. Attractive Beauty is fast and has enjoyed some success at the distance. Promotion Time will bring some energy through the lane; she is burdened by the tricky rail post. 

SIXTH   GIANT ACT is a real speed merchant. The older horse gets his favourite jock and meets a field he can elude. Sergeant Matt is an interesting price play. The gelding has never been provided the opportunity to roll a quick five furlongs despite his love of early dramatics. San Geminiano will be favoured but I’m a bit hesitant due to the paltry claiming tag. The barn might be out for a quick score; if he’s fit and right he can throttle this crew. 

SEVENTH   Young fillies travel six and a half furlongs in today’s feature. WILD CHANT has an enormous conditioning edge and, indeed, seems set for a peak race as she runs third off the bench. Closing Speed travels across the continent after a wonderful score at Santa Anita. She is a bounce candidate off a top. Bears Lightning is a talented one set for a step forward after showing good speed March 8^th at Gulfstream. 

EIGHTH   FANCI CANDI blazed to the lead at the five furlong point in her last at Oaklawn. Unfortunately in that event she was asked to continue for another furlong and her enthusiasm waned. Back to five today she can show the way. Striking Cheetah is a longshot play with a parade of nice works complimented by the barn naming their “money” jock. Moreiseelessiknow will be a force as the speed backs up. 

NINTH   MADAME TOUMANOVA, a fleet resident of a top barn, looms strictly the one to beat here. The fleet Highland Flare moves to the care of a veteran jock. Graceful Gracie offers the next chapter of the Pat Husbands/Scott Fairlie story, a team clicking at a stunning 42%. The filly will be poised from a stalking position to pick up the pieces through the lane. 

TENTH   Huge field boils down to only a handful of legitimate contenders with GRAIN OF TRUTH deserving top billing. The six year old mare has blinding speed and needs to make her mark in these short dashes. Expect her tuned up and on the engine. Opening Remark is two for four at today’s distance and comes from a sharp barn, already winners at the meet. Chocolateforlunch is very quick and is the recipient of a significant jock move. I’ll use Haveubeentoldtoday and The Real Me in tri’s.