TORONTO, August 21, 2018 – Each week, track announcer Robert Geller comments on some of the performances that caught his eye, highlighting horses to key in on for upcoming races at Woodbine. MOON SWINGS (August 5 – Race 3, No. 5, 3rd) The improvement shown between the debut 4th by Moon Swings and his 3rd place effort in the Clarendon Stakes behind the undefeated Muskoka Wonder was marked. By Malibu Moon from a Kitten’s Joy dam, England Swings, here is another Ontario-bred for Zilli Racing Stables and trainer Michael De Paulo that caught the eye. The longest shot on the board at 15-1, Moon Swings gained steadily to be beaten 2-1/2 lengths, merely a length behind pacesetter Crawl From the Bar, turning the tables on unplaced rival The Newfie Express by the proverbial country mile. Moon Swings has run on well in each of his two tries at 5 furlongs and 5-1/2 furlongs, respectively, and is sure to appreciate added ground. Third time may well be the charm. ENGLISH ILLUSION (August 5 – Race 10, No. 5, 3rd) As the race distances get longer, the odds for English Illusion get shorter but with good reason. Despite unplaced efforts at huge prices in his three tries since his return to Woodbine from Gulfstream Park when well over his head against stakes types, English Illusion gutted out a solid 3rd to Royal Intrigue in the second leg of the Woodbine Turf Endurance Series, nipped at the wire for place by Lookin At Bravo. Claimed for $45,000 by 4U Thoroughbred Racing Stable Inc., it is all systems go for the third leg in the series at 1-5/8 miles on September 9. By English Channel, the five-year-old, bred to run all day, relaxed well, sustaining a solid move and could well add to the high strike rate of his new trainer Sylvain Pion next out, especially should Eurico da Silva be back on board. Follow Geller on Twitter @WoodbineGeller for more insights on racing at Woodbine. Share This:Share
