Blinkers off might help Alice’s War

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Alice’s War will shed the blinkers for her second try at the nonwinners-of-three Ontariosired allowance condition in the third race Friday at Woodbine. The 1 1/16-mile turf route also is for $40,000 conditioned claimers.

Alice’s War won her third race off the bench in an Ontariosired allowance for nonwinners of two July 12, beating two fillies who came back to do well – Niigon’s Bay and Kadley. In her next race, July 30, she finished just four lengths back in the restricted Victoriana Stakes, when seventh behind the likes of Niigon’s Eclipse and Flipcup.

Alice’s War raced three wide throughout before finishing a

close fourth in a nine-furlong event at this level Aug. 11. She has since worked a half-mile on the training track and is cutting back a sixteenth for this engagement.

Friday’s program is the final twilight card of the meet, and it begins at 3:45 p.m. Eastern. The Jackpot Hi 5 carryover will be in excess of $1.1 million if it is not hit in the seven-horse nightcap Wednesday.

KEY CONTENDERS

Alice’s War, by Philanthropist Last 3 Beyers: 68-75-72

◗ Sunny Singh retains the mount on the 4-year-old for trainer Warren LeBlanc, who is 1 for 3 with blinkers off over the past five years, with a return on investment of $2.00.

Miss Mandate, by Pioneerof the Nile Last 3 Beyers: 69-68-37

◗ She was competitive in firstlevel allowance company here in spring last year before going the sidelines, and then struggled on the Gulfstream grass before landing a $40,000 conditioned claimer on the Tapeta here June 25. She finished a head and a nose in front of Alice’s War after saving ground Aug. 11.

Niigon’s Bay, by Niigon Last 3 Beyers: 69-72-59

◗ After dropping a neck decision to Alice’s War on July 12, she cleared the nonwinners of-two Ontario-sired condition with a four-wide trip in a race taken off the turf Aug. 12. Patrick Husbands, aboard for the last three races, will ride the Chiefswood Stable homebred again for high-percentage trainer Rachel Halden.

Princess Royal, by Philanthropist Last 3 Beyers: 68-67-64

◗ The need-the-lead type was beaten a neck in her last two races. She might have to deal with Mozambique Gold on the front end.

Mozambique Gold, by Northern Afleet Last 3 Beyers: 78-70-65

She set soft fractions en route to beating first-level allowance opposition in her second race off the shelf Aug. 12.