TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon

Let’s Try this Again

What was the difference between first and second place the last time Transient (GB) squared off with Vergara? Three-quarters of a length. That’s about the same as two yards on a football field or the width of an NHL hockey net.

The tightly contested affair, which went to Vergara, took place on Sept. 9 in the Ladies Marathon Stakes (G1T) at Kentucky Downs. Fast forward to this Sunday, and the pair are slated to meet again in the 1 ½-mile Dowager Stakes (G3T) at Keeneland.

Distance will play an interesting role this time around, as neither competitor has won at the 1 ½-mile range. In her only 1 ½-mile test, Vergara faltered to a fifth-place finish in the Glens Falls (G2T) on Aug. 3. Her counterpart, Transient, has tried the distance twice, resulting in fourth and second place finishes.

Vergara enters the Dowager at 9-5, while Transient follows at 3-1.

First Class

2023 has been a year to remember for Bobby Dibona-trainee Big and Classy.

At 3-1, the 4-year-old will go for win number nine in this Saturday’s $100,000 Gil Campbell Memorial at Gulfstream Park. If successful, the victory would push the Florida-bred into a tie with Fayette Warrior for most races-won on North American circuit this year.

It won’t be an easy task, however, as one of the two horses to defeat Big and Classy this year is also running in the Gil Campbell. Dean Delivers (7-5), a graded stakes winner with a 5-7-2 line in 17 career starts, bested Big and Classy by 2 ¼ lengths in the Smile Sprint (G3) at Gulfstream on July 1.

The gelding will try to even the score with the top spot in the win standings hanging in the balance.

Pop Quiz

Post Time has had all the answers through four careers starts, going a perfect 4-0-0.

After victories of 2, 6 ¾, 3 ¾, and 4 ½ lengths, the 3-year-old’s connections feel now is the time to move him up the ranks and away from home. This Saturday’s $250,000 Perryville Stakes for 3-year-olds at Keeneland will mark the first time Post Time has raced outside of Maryland, his native state.

For now, the odds are stacked against the colt, as he’s the board’s longest shot at 15-1. However, the race is seven furlongs; a distance he’s excelled at before. His most spacious (6 ¾ lengths) and prestigious (Maryland Juvenile Stakes) wins to date have both come at seven furlongs on the dirt.

The Perryville’s six-horse field, headlined by even-money favorite Verifying, will be a considerable challenge for Post Time, but one he is more than deserving of running in.

Star Showcase

From Canadian Triple Crown jewel-winners to American aces, the 52^nd running of the Ontario Derby (G3) has just about everything racing fans could ask for.

Slated for this Saturday at Woodbine, the $150,000 dash is headlined by 2023 Breeders’ Stakes champion Touch’n Ride (5-2). The Layne Giliforte trainee, who is 2-0-1 in four career runs, will look to capture his first graded stakes in as many tries.

The 10-horse affair also features Prince of Wales Stakes winner Velocitor, who enters at 6-1. Through 10 lifetime starts, the 3-year-old gelding is 4-1-1.

Also included in the deep field are Kentucky-breds Forever Dixie (3-1) and Solo Album (4-1). Back home, neither competitor has necessarily set the world on fire, going a combined 5-5-2 in 19 starts. That said, both have plenty of experience at Woodbine.

Forever Dixie has raced six times, winning three, including the Ontario Damsel Stakes on Oct. 1. Solo Album has won one of four, but it was a big score in the Selene Stakes (G3) on July 1.

Coin Flip

This year’s running of the $350,000 Raven Run Stakes (G2) at Keeneland is led by a dynamic pair of youngsters with different, but spectacular skill sets.

Alva Starr, the opening line favorite at 2-1, has won back-to-back races, including the Prioress Stakes (G2) at Saratoga on Sept. 2. The 3-year-old filly has never finished lower than second, sporting a 3-2-0 line in five career starts, all of which have been six furlongs.

She will be making her debut at the seven-furlong distance this Saturday.

Vahva, on the other hand, has competed in three contests at that distance, winning two, including the Charles Town Oaks (G3). The John Velazquez mount is also the more experienced runner, putting together a 3-2-2 line across nine career starts.

Entering at 3-1, it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see her close as the favorite come post time.