Turf races offer challenge to bettors

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Turf racing is in full swing at Woodbine, and there are three such events on Friday’s eight-race card, including a split of an Ontario-sired maiden race with an optional $40,000 claiming tag. Both divisions, races 4 and 6, are seven-furlong sprints scheduled to be run in lane 1.

Zap Cat, a 4-year-old running against mostly 3-year-olds, is dropping from open maiden special company to an inviting spot in the fourth race. He nearly beat $30,000 maidens going a mile on grass last July at Ellis Park and was softened up in a speed duel following a ninemonth layoff here April 22. Luis Contreras, who rode

four winners on Monday, will guide the son of Pioneerof the Nile for trainer Reade Baker.

The unraced Scram Cracker is a gelded son of the superb turf sire Scat Daddy. He has worked quickly on the Tapeta for leading trainer Mark Casse. Like Zap Cat, he competes with a $40,000 tag.

Nupogodi rallied for a share on Tapeta in both of his outings, most recently in his season opener won by Courtly Manner, who came back to win an optionalclaiming race. By the underrated Ontario sire Kentucky Bear, Nupogodi doesn’t have much turf breeding, but he might like the long stretch of this expansive course, which encircles the main track.

Teiaiagon, who’s stepping up off a $16,000 claim and a front-running second, was a minor player on turf last year. His new jockey, Eurico Da Silva, is an accomplished speed rider on the local grass.

Wilshire Star should be favored in the sixth race. He hit the board in four consecutive maiden claimers on the grass at Gulfstream during the winter, all over middle distances. He pressed a slow pace over an anti-speed track before tiring to fourth in an open maiden special on the Tapeta here April 28. Jesse Campbell has the mount for trainer Nick Gonzalez.

Grin n’ Bear missed the break from the 1 hole before closing for fifth in his April 30 opener on the main track. Trainer Mike De Paulo is adding Lasix and blinkers.

Other possibilities in the sixth include Spanish Express, Storm Hawk, and Unbridled River, a first-timer by Unbridled’s Song. Maintrack-only entrant Robustious edged out Spanish Express for second in a recent $40,000 optional claimer.

The nightcap is a $20,000 conditioned claimer on turf that lured 13 fillies and mares, many of whom have never run on grass, including the improving Luna d’Avril. Trainer Catherine Day Phillips sends out two contenders in the six-furlong sprint, Rainbows Ahead and Flashinthepants.