TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon

Changing of the Guard?

There’s a youth movement going on in California, and no, I’m not referring to the Los Angeles Rams, who believe it or not, are the second-youngest team by average age (25.3) heading into the 2023-24 NFL season. I’m talking about the Grade 1 $1 million Pacific Classic at Del Mar this upcoming Saturday.

There, 3-year-old sophomores Geaux Rocket Ride (5-2), Arabian Knight (3-1), and Skinner (10-1), are set to challenge the elders in a West Coast duel, which includes a “Win and You’re In” berth to the Breeders’ Cup on November 4.

History supports the young bucks, as five 3-year-olds have won the 1 ¼-mile race dating back to 1991. Will the trend continue or does one of the wily veterans still have a few tricks up their sleeve?

The Mohawk Park Variety Hour

Whether you’re a fan of the pace or the trot, Mohawk’s Saturday night card is for you.

For our trot enthusiasts, allow me to direct your attention to the $530,000 Maple Leaf Trot. Included in the field is Its Academic (5-2 in the opening line), who many industry pundits consider as the best trotter in North American today. The Ohio-bred bay owns a 7-1-2 line in 10 starts this year.

Don’t worry pace connoisseurs, we didn’t forget about you. Saturday’s main event, the $615,000 Canadian Pacing Derby Final, is shaping up to be a doozy of a contest. Bythemissal, a 4-year-old gelding paces the pack at 6-5 but faces stiff competition from Tattoo Artist (7-2) and Allywag Hanover (4-1).

The favourites in both races are special, but don’t discount the competition just yet.

Back in the Bayou

It’s the summer of Louisiana sports. First, the LSU Tigers won the 2023 Men’s College World Series in June, and now, after a three-year hiatus, the Super Derby returns to Louisiana Downs on September 2.

Looked upon as one of Louisiana Downs’ most prestigious events, the 41^st running of the Super Derby features a seven-horse field, headlined by Steve Asmussen-trainee How Did He Do That (9-5). The 3-year-old colt represents Asmussen’s shot at a third career Derby victory.

His top challengers, at least according to the odds, are Promise Me A Ride (7-2) and Big Data (9-2).

Long Weekend Under the Lights

Kentucky’s calling card may be its Thoroughbred scene, but don’t sleep on the Standardbred action at The Red Mile. Celebrate the Labour Day long weekend under the lights by getting in on the 14-race card at one of harness racing’s most famous tracks.

Sunday’s festivities mark the first time since September 2019 that The Red Mile will present an evening program. Interestingly, the favourite for the card’s primetime race, the Kentucky Sires Stakes, is expected to be Karl, who’s racing career began all but five weeks ago.

Sporting a 2-0-0 record, the 2-year-old drew rave reviews from legendary driver Yannick Gingras, who is set to pilot the colt in the $80,000 trot on Sunday evening.

The Extra Point is…

If you’ve been paying any attention to the NFL preseason that just passed, there was a particular emphasis on kicking, as several teams across the league ponied up draft capital to shore up their special teams situation.

In a way, the same can be said for dual hall of fame trainer Mark Casse, who is looking to convert the extra point and capture his seventh career Toronto Cup victory. This year’s running is set for September 3 at Woodbine Racetrack.

Barring a last-minute lesson from the Cade York school of placekicking (sorry to our Browns fan, Andy McNamara), Casse is primed to knock one through the uprights with one of his three (Conman, Eyes On the King, Lifetime of Chance) runners on Sunday afternoon.