racingmeridian.com

FIRST   POPPPIN has two nice works since a botched effort at the Fairgrounds Mar 13^th. She returns home and represents the dominant speed. Essence of Silver has a real touch of class but faces a challenge from the rail. The inside was just brutal Friday. Gigolette has a pace profile which fits Woodbine at the moment; she may be stifled by the five furlong distance.

SECOND   SMOKIN HOME is a speedball starting from the outside. The hot Gonzalez barn looks set to snag another early season win. Awholenewballgame is first time tagged and adding blinkers. Improvement in the offing. Always a Gentleman plunges for a trainer who can have one ready.

THIRD   MANLIEST is a seven furlong specialist and can excel in a cozy spot. Tacito is back home and is recommended off that Jan 31^st even effort. Vegas Venture attracts Pat Husbands and could be the spark that ignites a cold outfit.

FOURTH   Just hard to imagine going against SANIBEL as the mare returns from a couple of nice races in California. Nalees Crown is such a handy runner; she may surprise returning from a long freshening period. Victory Romance will likely pursue an aggressive approach.

FIFTH   It would be disappointing if SUNSET PLEASURE cannot muster the energy to defeat these weak ones. Her figs are dominant and this should be strictly graduation day. Maybe I Can is a logical price play based on the owner/trainer/breeder angle. This filly was a going concern last fall and now makes a long awaited debut. Hum This is fit.

SIXTH   Wow, don’t know what to make of this lightweight Canadian bred crew. Try longshot FOXY LION as one who will likely be well meant at this sprint distance. El Brujo is logical but clearly has his mind set on the ten furlong Plate two months hence and may not be cranked. Bucephalus starts again for the underrated Kevin Attard.

SEVENTH   TRIP PERMIT is capable of producing a big effort against these. The speedy one was only run down late by one who won the Canadian Championship. Dublin Lane has been away for awhile but any logical development puts him in the mix. Bear Always has considerable speed from the outside post.

EIGHTH   KALEIDOSCOPE KERRY attracts the services of the red hot Pat Husbands. The filly is noted for her strong fresh tendencies and is in the capable hands of John Ross. Short Shorts seems ready for an invigorating effort after a smashing score last November. Special Moment rates next.

NINTH   BLUE BEAT looks best but, inexplicably, she is burdened by the limitations of a ten pound bug. A merely “reasonable” ride should net the phat cheque here. Murr’s Patrol debuts for a trainer with legendary abilities with his firsters. Java Flow may come alive facing the cheapest classification of her life.

TENTH   TREVON’S GLORY is a rapid sort and should roll while well off the rail. Rahtid is a juicy longshot prospect if the track continues too reward outside stalkers. Wild Diamond swings right back after a very encouraging debut last Saturday against better.