TORONTO

By: Matthew Lomon

Bedazzle Me Impressed

Is an upset brewing at this Sunday’s Bison City Stakes at Woodbine? If Bedazzle Me has anything to say about, the answer is a resounding yes.

In what is the second leg of the Triple Tiara for Canadian-bred 3-year-old fillies, Bedazzle Me has a shot to shock the masses with her consistent running style. She has parlayed 12 career starts into a 1-2-4 line, with 10 top four finishes overall.

That’s essentially code for, ‘she’s always in it.’

Rookie Showcase

You know how the NFL Scouting Combine gives young players a chance to showcase their skills before (hopefully) graduating to the next level? Think of Saturday’s Proud Man and Sunday’s Sharp Susan as the same thing, but instead of people and the NFL, it’s horses and the Florida Sire Stakes (FSS).

Between the two races, 12 of the 15 horses are eligible for the FSS.

Back against the wall and a shot at the big-time hanging in the balance, sounds like the makings of an underdog story to me.

Rhyme Schemes Brings the Heat to Saratoga Special

In racing, both human and equine, there are sprinters and there are runners. Rhyme Schemes, a 2-year-old colt from Kentucky, is without a doubt, a sprinter.

According to his trainer Norm Casse, his speed affords him the luxury to run a patient race. In other words, he doesn’t necessarily need the lead to know he’s in the race.

After a convincing win in his last effort at Ellis Park, Rhyme Schemes comes into Saturday’s 6 ½-furlong Saratoga Special as the 4-5 favourite.

Flying High

Everyone loves a good comeback story, right?

After a series of health issues derailed his 2-year-old harness racing campaign, Soaring Now is ready for takeoff ahead of Saturday’s $300,000 Carl Milstein Memorial Invitational at MGM Northfield Park.

For the year, Soaring Now has three wins and two seconds in seven starts, including back-to-back victories in the Indiana Sire Stakes. He enters Saturday’s engagement at 8-1, which presents strong value despite the tougher field.

Model of Consistency

Regardless of the game, an athlete’s best ability is availability. Call it a cliché, because it is, but it really does mean something, especially in horse racing.

Few embody that better than 7-year-old thoroughbred, Casa Creed, who will be competing in his fourth straight Fourstardave Grade 1 Stakes. In doing so, he’ll have the chance to capture his second straight title, along with a guaranteed spot in the Breeders’ Cup.

Casa Creed is currently listed as the 7-5 favourite.