August 7, 2025
TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon
No Second Guessing
After 21 starts in the Eastern Hemisphere, Cairo (IRE) will take his talents to Colonial Downs in New Kent, Virginia for this Saturday’s Arlington Million (G1T).
While winless so far this season (five starts), the seasoned 5-year-old colt has looked much better as of late, recording finishes of third in the Queen Anne (Gr. 1) and second in the Huxley (Gr. 2).
Cairo has made a career out of collecting second-place cheques with nine through his 21 starts.
The Alice Haynes trainee will rely on that wealth of experience as he heads straight into the 1 ¼-mile Arlington as the fitting 7-2 second choice behind 8-5 favorite Integration.
The Best Around
Outside of an off-brand eighth in the Jenny Wiley (G1) on April 12, Be Your Best (IRE) has been just that, winning four of five starts since November.
The million-dollar mare with a nose for the wire looks to keep the good times rolling as the early 9-5 choice in Saturday’s $500,000 Beverly D. (G2T) at Colonial Downs.
With victories in the Long Island (G3T), Suwannee River (G3T), Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf Invitational (G2T), and most recently, the Gamely (G1T) on May 26 at Santa Anita, Be Your Best has shown steady improvement during the hot streak.
Entering the 1 3/16-mile Beverly D. well rested, all eyes are on the Saffie Joseph, Jr. charge.
Authentic Experience
Jumping from the allowance level to the Grade 2 ranks presents a tall task for Simulate, but one the 3-year-old colt’s connections believe he’s equipped to handle.
The source of inspiration ahead of Saturday’s $500,000 Secretariat (G2T) at Colonial Downs – a stellar 2 ¼-length tally at 16-1 last time out on July 18 – earned Simulate a well-deserved promotion to the major leagues.
Facing an uphill battle at 8-1 on the opening line, the Bill Mott trainee will quickly learn how he compares to top performers in his age group like Dream On (5-2 favourite), Maui Strong (7-2), and Cairo Caper (9-2).
Road Well Travelled
Taking last year’s Sword Dancer (G1T) ignited something in Far Bridge, who went on to win four of his next six starts, including the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1T) the very next time out.
On Saturday, the multiple graded stakes winner returns to Saratoga for the 2025 renewal of the $750,000 contest.
A front-leading one-length victor in his first Sword Dancer appearance, Far Bridge has blossomed into a household name in the older turf horse category.
With nine wins (three thirds and three seconds) and nearly $2.4 million banked across 18 starts, Far Bridge hopes to retain his precious Sword Dancer crown as the early 9-5 choice.
Rule of Thirds
Heredia (GB), who bears no relation to former Major Leaguer and Immaculate Grid legend Guillermo Heredia, is set to swing for the fences in Saturday’s $200,000 Yellow Ribbon Handicap (G2T) at Del Mar.
The 5-year-old mare remains in search of her first triumph on North American soil in what will be third start away from home after 13 across the United Kingdom.
The early returns in her new digs have been encouraging with a pair of thirds in the Beaugay (G3) and De La Rose Stakes.
A Group 3 winner in her native land (Atalanta Stakes), Certitude enters the Yellow Ribbon at 4-1 – good for third in the field of eight.