There’s a quiet confidence surrounding Uphill Dance as she steps onto Woodbine’s main track on Saturday. The 4-year-old filly, chasing her first graded stakes victory, has been steadily building a reputation as a front-running force, and trainer Rachel Halden believes the time is right for her to claim the $150,000 Ontario Fashion Stakes (G3).
Off a sharp 3 ¼-length win over 6 ½ furlongs on September 6, Uphill Dance impressed observers with her wide, decisive move in the stretch. “Just how she did it that day was great to see,” said Halden. “I thought it was a very strong performance. She did it quite easily.” Bred in Kentucky by Chet Blackey and Trackside Farm, the daughter of Tonalist out of Stormy Atlantic’s Stormy Below has recorded three breezes over the Woodbine turf training track since that victory, including a five-furlong move in 1:01.40 on October 5.
“She has improved with every race she has run here this season. Woodbine is where she has done her best running. It’s a place where she seems very content,” Halden added.
Uphill Dance will face a formidable Clement-trained duo in Gal in a Rush and Les Reys (FR). Gal in a Rush, a 6-year-old mare by Ghostzapper out of Hudson River Gal, comes off a strong graded stakes win at Presque Isle Downs in September, while Les Reys (FR), a 4-year-old sprinting prospect from France, brings impressive early North American form into her first Canadian start. “Her works are spectacular. At some point, you stop trying to go against what she maybe always wanted to do, which is sprint,” said Miguel Clement.
The Ontario Fashion Stakes drew nine runners in total, including Biles (IRE), Ms. Tart, Girl of My Dreams, A Little Frisky, Golden Canary (S), and Metaphysical. Fans can follow all the action with wagering options that include Rolling Double, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, and Swinger bets.
On the same card, eight 3-year-old fillies will vie for the Ontario Damsel Stakes over 1 1/16 miles. Cue the Duckboats, Shotgun Wedding, Salt, Madame Obey, No Time, Souper Zonda, Tiz Her Money, and supplement Will Then will compete, with first post slated for 1:05 p.m.
The weekend promises thrilling stakes action at Woodbine, with Uphill Dance and the Ontario Fashion field ready to produce another memorable chapter in Canadian racing.
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