By: Matthew Lomon

13 Going on 30?

Saturday’s Shady Daisy Stakes wasn’t a walk in the park for Sylvia Hanover, but the 3-year-old filly overcame a tough start to clinch her 13th straight win.

The #1 ranked horse in North American harness racing, unsurprisingly, came into the race as the overwhelming 1-9 favourite (lowest possible odds), so if you did bet on her, maybe hold off on tendering your resignation.

Sylvia Hanover’s recent stretch of dominance is going to separate bettors into two groups: backers and faders… which side will you be on?

We The North

Canadian content was on full display at this year’s Hambletonian Day, as four horses with northern connections left Saturday’s festivities with a win.

The conquering quartet featured an even split of favourites and underdogs. Stonebridge Helios and Kilmister, the favourites, both took care of business in convincing fashion, producing returns of $3.60 and $3, respectively. Emboldened bettors were rewarded for their bravery with Tactical Mounds ($48.40) and Lovedbythemasses ($23.60).

Taking charge and making noise doesn’t sound overly “Canadian,” but the results speak for themselves.

French Connection

What do Lionel Messi and Elusive Princess have in common? They both recently came over to the United States from France and dominated in their first taste of action.

The French-bred 3-year-old scored huge in her North American debut, capturing the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Oaks Invitational last Friday.

It can take a race or two for a horse to get their footing in a new environment, so adding heavy rains and soft turf to the equation makes Elusive Princess’ already incredible feat even more impressive.

If the (Horse) Shoe Fits

Is there a more fitting name for a longshot winner than Unexpected Outcome? Sometimes these things just write themselves.

On Sunday afternoon at Woodbine, the unexpected happened when Irish-bred 4-year-old Unexpected Outcome rose to the top of a seven-horse field at 10-1.

So, what’s the lesson here? One, this is horse racing in a nutshell. Two, when you can’t decide who to take, do what any 8-year-old would and go with your favourite name.

They tried to tell us.

‘Tri’ this on for Size

Going 3-3 at the dish would put a smile on any hitter’s face, but what about having your horses finish 1-2-3 in a single race?

Well, Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse did exactly that in the Hamilton Stakes at Woodbine with Conman, Lifetime of Chance, and Eyes On the King. The multiple Sovereign Award recipient is no stranger to the winner’s circle, amassing over 3,500 victories in his career.

His horses may not generate the highest payouts, but if you’re new to the game and want to put your faith in someone, look no further than making a betting mark with Mark Casse.

Fun fact from the weekend: Grace On the Green, trained by Jennifer Stein, won the final race at Woodbine on Saturday night, with husband Justin Stein.