Modus Operandi in good spot

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Starter allowances are back in vogue at Woodbine, and there’s a good one on turf on Friday’s eight-race twilight card that could set up for the versatile Modus Operandi.

The 6 1/2-furlong sprint, race 6, is for females who have started for $12,500 claiming or less since the beginning of 2016. It contains lots of speed, which could play into the hands of a stalking Modus Operandi.

Modus Operandi was a bargain $12,500 claim by Alpine Stable and trainer Vito Armata out of a victory on the main track last November. She has competed predominantly on the Tapeta ever since and was victorious in her season opener in a $20,000 starter.

Modus Operandi has hit the board in three of her four subsequent outings, all in firstlevel allowance company. She defeated Ontario-sired allowance opposition going long on the grass last October.

KEY CONTENDERS

Modus Operandi, by Marchfield Last 3 Beyers: 68-73-74

◗ David Moran, her regular rider, is aboard Friday. Moran and Armata have combined for a win, two seconds, and two thirds from 11 runners at this stand.

Unseen Angels, by Kantharos Last 3 Beyers: 60-72-79

◗ She rode a speed bias to victory in her penultimate race, a $20,000 turf sprint. Most recently, in a $12,500 starter, she faded to eighth after getting softened up in a speed duel with the classy Green Doctor, who came back to finish third for $50,000.

◗ Leading rider Eurico Da Silva retains the mount on Unseen Angels, who is trained by Norm McKnight. He is 17 for 36 at the meet for the highpercentage McKnight barn.

Real Coal, by Cool Coal Man Last 3 Beyers: 58-70-71

◗ She defeated $32,000 claimers with determination after racing up front in a turf sprint June 9, but wilted in another turf sprint after a stalking trip against first-level allowance opposition in her latest.

◗ She breaks from the rail, and it seems probable that she’ll duke it out on the lead with Unseen Angels.

My Cantata, by Sardegna Last 3 Beyers: 68-52-58

◗ She has the same connections as Unseen Angels and was victorious in a $20,000 conditioned claimer in her turf debut June 21.

◗ Expect her to take up the chase on the outside under Gary Boulanger.

Extremist, by Suave Last 3 Beyers: 69-74-57

◗ She closed from off slow fractions for second in a onemile route for $16,000 claimers two weeks ago. She could pick up some of the pieces under Patrick Husbands, who was aboard for that last race.

Athdara, by Leonnatus Anteas Last 3 Beyers: 69-58-66

◗ She wired $10,000 conditioned opposition last time out on the main track and is a twotime winner on the grass.