Silverleo Favored in Woodbine Allowance Thursday
Despite being bred in Kentucky, 2-year-old colt Silverleo is set to make his mark in Canada at Toronto's renowned Woodbine Racecourse, when he makes his second start on turf in Thursday's $91,100 featured allowance over 1 mile.
When trainer Greg De Gannes switched Silverleo from dirt over to the turf at Woodbine in his last race, he was impressed to see the colt take to the surface like a duck to water to chalk up his first win. So he figured a follow up would be a good idea.
Thursday's allowance is a prep race for the $250,000 Summer Stakes (Gr 3) in September, a race in which the winner earns an automatic place in the coveted Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Churchill Downs, which could be just the ticket for Silverleo.
'He's a great horse,' said De Gannes who trains Silverleo for Trini Posse Stables. 'I always felt quite good about him, especially when I knew he'd get to stretch out.' On his first attempt on turf, the colt rallied to pull off a comfortable 3 1/2-length win.
Favoured in tomorrow's allowance with his regular jockey Emile Ramsammy aboard, Silverleo will run against five other 2-year-olds including second favorite Mr. Uncle Ned, who was the favorite in the Woodbine turf race that Silverleo ended up winning.
But judging by his improved times - he breezed five furlongs in 1:00.20 over Woodbine's turf training track this week - he could be the biggest threat to Silverleo. Trained by Mark Frostad for owner Robert S. Evans, he'll have Patrick Husbands aboard.
Then there is Mo Star, a locally-bred gelding who delivered a big win in his third race on August 15 at Woodbine for trainer and co-owner Dave Cotey. On Lasix for the first time in that race, he could be the biggest threat to Silverleo and Mr. Uncle Ned.
Here is the complete field and odds for the $91,100 allowance at Woodbine Racecourse on Thursday, August 26:
1. Mr. Uncle Ned (KY) 5/2
2. Breaking Ball (KY) 4/1
3. Whippit (ON) 8/1
4. Silverleo (KY) 8/5
5. Gran Tsar (ON) 30/1
6. Mo Star (ON) 3/1
