There was a spring in Kevin Attard’s step this week as he watched three unbeaten juveniles school in the mornings at Woodbine. The trainer has never hidden his pride in Bill of Ice, Marcus J and Two Out Hero, and come Saturday’s Summer Stakes 2025, he will send all three into the Grade 1 spotlight together.
“It’s exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time,” Attard admitted, patting Two Out Hero as the colt walked off the track. “Each of them has shown something different, and post position is going to be key. That first turn comes up quickly on the inner turf, and a little luck in the draw can make all the difference.”
Attard’s unbeaten trio
Two Out Hero brings the most polished résumé, already two-for-two with victories in a Maiden Special Weight and the Soaring Free Stakes. Rafael Hernandez has been aboard for both, guiding the son of War Front with confidence. Attard likes what he sees: “He can dictate from the front or sit off the pace. He’s learning and thriving, and we’re looking forward to seeing him stretch out.”
Stablemate Marcus J, a chestnut gelding by Hard Spun, made a winning debut in early August on the main track for owners Al and Bill Ulwelling. Attard believes the Ontario-bred has more to give: “He’s shown ability from the start. He’s Canadian-bred, bred to stretch out, and I’m excited to see him try turf for the first time.”
Bill of Ice, meanwhile, already owns two-turn experience, having scored first-up at 1 1/16 miles on the inner turf. A son of Constitution from a family of graded stakes winners, he is considered the grinder of the trio. “He’s professional and composed,” said Attard. “That win over the course is a big bonus.”
International opposition adds intrigue
Godolphin’s Charlie Appleby adds international spice with Wild Desert (IRE), who showed class at Haydock and was unlucky when third in Newmarket’s Superlative Stakes. “He’s still learning but has an exceptional family,” Appleby said. William Buick, who has steered many of Appleby’s Woodbine winners, will ride.
The field also features a strong home-team presence from Mark Casse, who saddles multiple entrants including Timeframe, Rude Procedure, Casson, Military Time and Jupiter. Other notable names are Argos (Riley Mott), Thesecretadversary (James Stack with Lanfranco Dettori up), and Teddy’s Rocket (Miguel Clement with Joel Rosario).
Breeders’ Cup berth on the line
The Summer Stakes 2025 is part of the Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” Challenge. The winner earns an automatic, fees-paid berth into the Juvenile Turf at Del Mar this autumn. With $500,000 on offer and a berth at stake, Saturday’s one-mile contest is expected to provide a stern test for young stars stepping onto the international stage.
First post at Woodbine is 1:05 p.m., with the Summer Stakes carded as Race 6.
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