Magical Merry Pointed at Woodbine Allowance
American trainer Michael Pino leads the field in terms of wins at this year's Woodbine meet in Toronto, Canada, and is hoping for yet another on Thursday with his charge Magical Merry.
Pino will send Magical Merry out in tomorrow's $71,600 allowance over 1 1/16 miles for 2-year-old fillies that have never won a race other than maiden, claiming, restricted or that have never won two races.
But while overall Pino has enjoyed great success at Woodbine this year, he is not leading the way in terms of first time winners, which is why many eyes will be on Magical Merry as she negotiates the allowance.
Currently the Ontario-bred filly is the second favourite to Kentucky-bred filly, Silent Moon, mainly because of the swift turn-of-foot she demonstrated when she won her maiden over 6 1/2 furlongs in October.
But while that effort earned her a 61 Beyer Speed Figure, she failed to pull off a repeat win in her next race three weeks later, the Fanfreluche Stakes over 6 furlongs for Ontario-breds, where she came fourth.
That said, she is reportedly in fine form and has as good a chance as any as pulling off a win in Thursday's allowance with Patrick Husbands aboard, assuming, of course, she can keep Silent Moon at bay.
Silent Moon Silent, who was bought for $370,000 by owner John Oxley and trainer Mark Casse, finished fourth in her September debut, but then went on to win a 6-furlong maiden special earlier this month.
Here is the complete field and odds for the $71,600 allowance at Woodbine Racecourse tomorrow:
- Magical Merry (ON) 5/2
- Silent Moon (KY) 2/1
- Dilly's Dancer (KY) 6/1
- Ice Crystal (KY) 9/2
- Howwondofulitis (ON) 20/1
- Karlie's Holiday (KY) 3/1
- Queen of Bandini (KY) 15/1
