November 22, 2024
TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon
Rookie Reset
While scouts may not look as fondly on “older” rookies – for example Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix – getting a step ahead of the learning curve is a coach’s dream.
That strategy, at least right now, is paying dividends for Sean Payton and the Broncos.
In the world of Thoroughbred racing, trainer Phil Bauer is reaping similar rewards with promising youngster Two Sharp.
After not racing in her 2-year-old year, the now 3-year-old filly is putting together a rookie season to remember (2-2-0 through four starts).
Two Sharp can take things to another level by securing her first stakes title in Saturday’s $300,000 Chilukki (G3) at historic Churchill Downs.
Opening at 2-1, the Junior Alvarado mount currently paces field of eight.
Quick Detour
The roads may be clear of snow, but it’s been tough sledding lately for five-time stakes winner My Boy Prince.
Eyeing a change of fortune, the accomplished Mark Casse charge steps into the wide-open $300,000 Commonwealth Turf (G3T) on Saturday afternoon at Churchill Downs.
Eager to atone for a pair of uncharacteristic showings in the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile (sixth) and Grade 3 Bryan Station (ninth), My Boy Prince and rider Florent Geroux will meet eight other hopefuls in the 1 1/16-mile contest.
Among those vying for the top spot are Hawthorne Derby winner Ak Sar Ben Derby (10-1) and Gun Runner Stakes runner-up Herchee (3-1).
My Boy Prince enters between the two at 6-1.
Back in the Mix
Following a dashing half-length Pacific Classic (G1) conquest with an disappointing 11th in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) isn’t what Mixto had in mind, but a short turnaround may serve the 4-year-old colt well come Saturday.
Taking to the Del Mar dirt for the second time in three weeks, Mixto is one of several well-rounded runners entered in the $100,000 Native Diver (G3).
Here, the Doug O’Neill trainee will clash with a deep field of 6 that includes last year’s Native Diver runner-up Skinner (5-1), and a pair of talented sophomores in Ultra Power (2-1) and Mirahmadi (6-1).
Mixto enters in a favorable position at 5-2 behind opening line choice Ultra Power.
Front and Centre
Fresh off a can’t-miss performance in her professional debut, 2-year-old filly Miss Pierre is ready to branch out and make a name for herself on the stakes stage.
The Ted Holder charge will join eight other hopefuls this Saturday at Woodbine for a shot at becoming the $150,000 Shady Well Stakes’ leading lady.
Heading into the 6-furlong tilt at 20-1, Miss Pierre isn’t one to shy away from punching above her weight class.
In her foray to Thoroughbred racing (Nov. 2 at Woodbine), the Eswan Flores mount rallied through tight quarters to speed ahead of 5-2 choice Ruthless Action for the narrow score at 9-1.
Up, Down, and Back Around
Calling Mouffy’s last four starts a rollercoaster is as cliché as it gets. It also happens to be a spot on assessment.
Stuck in the middle of a win-loss-win-loss pattern, the 5-year-old mare is hoping to stay on course at least once more in Sunday’s $100,000 Red Carpet (G3T) at Del Mar.
Back in action for the second time this month, Mouffy can end November on a high note after finishing fourth in the Goldikova (G3T) three weeks prior.
The Jonathan Thomas trainee would be wise to conjure a similar effort to that of October’s Dance Smarty (G2T), which she captured by a head at 14-1.
Perhaps most important of all, Mouffy must avoid an outing reminiscent of August’s Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf (G3T), in which she faltered to ninth.