August 4, 2023
TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon
Knocking at the Door
If there was an equine representation of the Buffalo Bills teams from 1990-1993, you know, the ones that lost four consecutive Super Bowls, it would be Oh Well.
Now, that’s not totally fair to the 3-year-old trotter, who claimed the Mohawk Million last September. It’s more a testament to his knack for finishing second… consistently. In 14 career races, he’s finished no worse than second 13 times, including five wins.
Oh Well enters Saturday’s $1 million Hambletonian at The Meadowlands at 7-2.
Cheering for a Pair of Fan Favourites
Cody’s Wish is a phenomenal horse with an even better story.
Named after Cody Dorman, a Richmond, Kentucky native who was born with syndrome, the pair instantly developed a strong connection when Dorman and his family visited Godolphin’s Gainsborough Farm during Keeneland’s Make-A-Wish Day in 2018.
Cody’s Wish brings a six-race win streak into Saturday’s 96th running of the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney Stakes. A win on Saturday would qualify Cody’s Wish for the Breeders’ Cup, but just as importantly, bring even more joy to his namesake.
The ‘Sky’ is the Limit
Everyone loves a good underdog story, right? The undrafted kid who goes on to have long, prosperous career or the horse, like Aim for the Sky, who was claimed for just $25,000, and is now stepping up to take on some tough competition.
The 6-year-old gelding trained by Steven Chircop, a lifetime winner of 210 races, has a chance to clear the $300,000-mark in earnings when he contests Saturday’s Vice Regent Stakes at Woodbine.
Unknown or Untested?
There aren’t many parallels between horse racing and tennis, but the one that does exist, really stands out, and that’s surface.
Horses, just like tennis players, perform better on certain surfaces than others. That’ll be something for bettors to consider when Eyes On the King takes to the Woodbine turf for the first time in Sunday’s $100,000 Hamilton Stakes.
With dual hall of fame trainer Mark Casse and Woodbine’s second leading rider by wins (45), Rafael Hernandez, leading the way, Eyes On the King is a fascinating wagering option.
Piecing it Together
Figuring out how a deep field may take shape feels like assembling a 1,000-piece puzzle.
Whether you’re a puzzlehead or not, this Sunday’s $500,000 West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer, is going to be a fun one.
Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen, a five-time West Virginia Derby winner, has Red Route One running. Last year’s winning trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr., entered Lord Miles, who won the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct at 59-1 in April.
Longshot? Favourite? When it comes to building your ticket, remember that sometimes, it can be the best of both worlds.
