Young talents will face their first major tests of the season as Woodbine Racetrack prepares for a pair of turf stakes featuring promising three-year-olds in the Georgian Bay and Lake Huron Stakes.
The Georgian Bay, a five-furlong contest for three-year-old fillies over the inner turf, has drawn a field of seven runners, with John Mattine-trained Money Heist among those looking to make a mark at stakes level.
Georgian Bay Stakes and Lake Huron Stakes Preview covers the latest contenders, trainers, jockeys and race details ahead of Sunday’s action.
Owned by RCC Racing Stable Ltd., Money Heist enters the race after finishing third in each of her first three appearances. The chestnut filly, a daughter of Signature Red and the Ghostzapper mare Socially Distant, has shown steady improvement throughout her early career.
Mattine believes the filly’s progress has been encouraging after she battled illness during her two-year-old season.
“She got a little sick last year, but we got her back on track,” Mattine said. “We’ve been very impressed at how she keeps getting better and better each race.”
Money Heist began her career on November 22, finishing third after encountering trouble during the running of a five-and-a-half-furlong sprint. She returned in December with another strong effort, closing from the inside to secure third place in a seven-horse field.
“She came along the inside and wasn’t intimidated by it,” Mattine said. “It showed how she was maturing and developing.”
The Georgian Bay will also mark Money Heist’s first attempt on turf and her first appearance in stakes company. Mattine expects her smooth stride and balanced build to work in her favour.
Recent training reports have added to the confidence around the filly, with Money Heist recording two sharp four-furlong workouts in June at Woodbine, including a :47.80 move on June 4.
The Lake Huron Stakes will feature seven three-year-olds competing over five furlongs on the inner turf, with Wine After Whiskey arriving in strong form after consecutive victories.
Trained by Michelle Love, the son of Reload has impressed with his speed and determination, including a maiden-breaking success late last year and a convincing return victory in May.
“He has a lot of natural talent,” Love said. “I am confident in him because that’s what he gives you.”
Wine After Whiskey will make his first turf appearance and first stakes start, with Love expecting his natural ability to help him handle the challenge.
Another key contender is Quadzilla, who brings a two-race winning streak into the Lake Huron Stakes. The John Mattine trainee has developed significantly after being gelded and has shown greater consistency this season.
The son of Souper Speedy has won his last two starts, including a five-and-a-half-furlong victory in May, and Mattine believes the gelding has matured physically and mentally.
“He’s really come into himself,” Mattine said. “You could see over the winter how he was putting everything together.”
The Georgian Bay field includes Artful Diamond, Money Heist, Hot Stuff Baby, Vegas Road, Souper Sporty, Souper Diva and Sipping History.
The Lake Huron lineup features Quadzilla, Wine After Whiskey, Silver Is Best, Auntie’s Bambino, Duckduckduck, Gone With Duwyn and Big Bold and First.
The first race is scheduled for Sunday at 1:00 p.m., with both stakes expected to provide a glimpse of the next wave of emerging turf performers.
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