December 1, 2023
TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon
Mischievous Mile
Everso Mischievous’ connections have sparked victory cigars at Aqueduct once this year, and they’ll have the chance to do it again in the $500,000 Cigar Mile.
Coming off a narrow half-length win in the one-mile Forty Niner Stakes on Oct. 28, Everso Mischievous (4-1) can secure a second straight score at the same distance on Saturday afternoon.
The winner of four races through six starts brings an impressive 4-0-2 career line into the weekend, where several strong competitors will attempt to keep him off the podium for the first time. Among those to look out for include Senor Buscador (7-2), Dr. Ardito (8-1), and Accretive (4-1).
For what it’s worth, Dr. Ardito and Accretive finished second and third, respectively, behind Everso Mischievous in the Forty Niner.
Sophomore Stars
A pair of lightly raced Brits and an experienced runner from Kentucky stand out as names to watch ahead of Saturday’s $300,000 Hollywood Derby (G1T) at Del Mar.
Both Seal Team (GB) (5-1) and Program Trading (GB) (9-5) have found early success on the North American circuit, running to a combined 6-2-1 line in nine starts.
The former, who is 3-1-1 through five starts, scored a career defining win in the Twilight Derby (G2T) on Nov. 4 at Santa Anita, while the latter’s triumph in the Saratoga Invitational Derby (G1T) headlines his record of 3-1-0 through four attempts.
Their rival from the racing capital of the world, Webslinger (3-1), possesses a significant edge in the experience department despite also being in his sophomore season. The gelding has already made a dozen starts to the tune of a 4-3-2 line.
Welcome to the Big Leagues
Just as Evan Carter found himself playing postseason baseball for the Texas Rangers after appearing in 23 games as a rookie, Frac Dancer is making the jump to the stakes level with one career start to his name.
The 2-year-old colt is set to compete in the $150,000 Clarendon Stakes at Woodbine this Saturday after winning his first and only start at 9-1 shortly over one month ago.
Despite the small sample size, Frac Dancer has shown impressive traits that would be of great value to bettors. Early indications suggest the Mike De Paulo trainee is not afraid to lead the pack, engage in a foot race, or shrug off bumps from opponents.
Frac Dancer will try to tiptoe around the field of seven at 6-1.
The Great 88
When you hear the number 88, which athletes come to mind? Michael Irvin, Eric Lindros, Tony Gonzales? What about Cozee Rags, who won her debut race at 88-1?
On Oct. 15 at Keeneland, the 2-year-old filly weaved her way through the field of 12 to score an unforgettable one-length victory. Heading into Saturday’s Demoiselle Stakes (G2) at 30-1, last month’s performance impressed oddsmakers enough to warrant a slightly more favorable position on the opening line.
That said, she still enters as the longest shot on the board.
The 1 1/8-mile affair will be one of firsts for Cozee Rags, who has not previously raced at Aqueduct or a distance beyond seven furlongs. But, being behind the eight ball hasn’t been a problem yet, so why should this time be any different?
Court is in Session
Court will be in session this Sunday at Woodbine as War Court takes to the Tapeta for the $150,000 Valedictory Stakes (G3).
The 5-year-old Layne Giliforte trainee rides into the 1 ½-mile test in strong form, posting three wins, a second, and two thirds over his last seven starts. Overall, War Court is 3-1-2 through 10 tries.
The Kentucky-bred made his first stakes appearance in last month’s Durham Cup Stakes (G3), which featured a deep group of talented competitors headlined by winner Artie’s Storm and runner-up Algiers (IRE).
War Court, who finished fifth behind 7-5 closing line favorite Treason, will try to track down his first graded victory on Dec. 3.
