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FIRST   The unfortunately named LORI’S BUNNY (I mean, people, a little dignity, please) looks capable of producing from the outside. A Knights Heart gets Kabel, a good sign, and is first time tagged. Honour Fulfilled comes from a hot barn.

SECOND   Danny Vella has put a nice foundation into TACTICAL AFFAIR and the still effective Rob Landry remains committed. Hong Kong Fury has some nice efforts at Woodbine and should relish the return home. The famous Bug’s Boy was clearly the best runner last out and was victimized when jock Simon Husbands “fixed” the race (currently serving a suspension). The horse racing community has rallied around Simon and I would approach this one with caution, he might be tanked again to take pressure off the corrupt rider.

THIRD   BENT ATTORNEY is such a marvelous, determined mare.  She is unbeaten in MacRae’s barn and should be a handful with Emma taking the reins. The Reade Baker entry rates next. Either runner is a danger and I suspect Reade may scratch one to avoid competing with himself. Bold Corky adds blinkers, an equipment adjustment that lead to two victories early in the 2008 season.

FOURTH   HUBBERT’S PEAK has found such a cozy spot; his stalking capabilities should prove dominant in the late stages of the race. Kinshasa’s Paradise will be winging it on the front end but, surprisingly, many of the speed merchants have been gasping in the final furlong this year. Rockglen has a win at the distance.

FIFTH   U GOT DAT RITE is a son of one the denizens of the Rexdale adored; the ferocious Ice Dancer. If this Tony Mattine charge has been gifted with his mom’s proclivities then he is a legit barrier to wire threat. Montrose Avenue is the logical one, a swift runner meeting perhaps the easiest field of his career. Movie Rock has been prepped under the tutelage of the cagey Laurie Silvera and could be dead fit.

SIXTH   GLADYS IRENE right back. Elizabeth’s Tune is eligible for easier conditions yet has been so productive since joining Vito Armata’s barn that she is a clear threat with the addition of the sublime Patrick Husbands. Crystal Kris, winter raced and fit, might challenge if she can deal with her initial start over the Toronto plastic.

SEVENTH   Peculiar field where only GENIUS KINSHASA appears to have genuine early foot. Kabel is well suited to a coaxing effort from the deadly rail trap. Another Egbert had terrific energy in his debut, passing runners at every call. If he can get going quickly, he’ll be an important consideration as they approach the line. Collerosa is the best animal in the race but will be challenged by the cramped distance.

EIGHTH   D FLUTIE is such a wicked seven furlong runner. The son of Canadian legend Langfuhr, perhaps the greatest seven furlong combatant I’ve ever seen, can be along in time to annex this pricey allowance. Poacher’s Moon is third off the bench and attracts Pat Husbands; consider. Niagara Thunder is sure to be a major player in local events this year. He is so competitive, but seriously compromised by today’s sprint distance.

NINTH   Strong preference for GRAY N AWAY as she faces the easiest competition of her young career. He has three straight five furlong works preparing for this contest and should simply be able to better her rivals in the late going. Sweet Deceit takes off the blinkers and will definitely be the leader at the top of the stretch. Her fortitude and commitment will be queried at that point. Shekina West plunges and attracts the services of Chantal Sutherland. At this juncture in the young season, Patrick and Chantal are clearly the best riders on the circuit…