TORONTO, September 7, 2026 – Two Out Hero faces stout competition today as he contests the $1.5 million Mint Franklin-Simpson Stakes (G2T) at Kentucky Downs. The War Front colt is listed at 20-1 on the morning line and will face a strong field led by favourite Albyland, trained by Mark Casse, at 3-1. Take Charge Star (IRE), trained by John Murtagh, is listed at 4-1, while Blinging It Back, also trained by Casse, is the third choice at 5-1. Two Out Hero is coming off a victory in August in a $47,500-$50,000 Allowance Optional Claiming race over Woodbine Racetrack’s E.P. Taylor turf. He defeated stakes-level horses in a fast 1:20.31 over seven furlongs. “We’re happy, he’s doing well,” said trainer Kevin Attard. “Obviously, coming off of a big victory against older horses, so we’re hoping he just kind of takes another step forward and is pretty competitive. “I don’t say there’s more pressure (being in a $1.5 million race), but it’s obviously very exciting,” said Attard. “Kentucky Downs is a tricky course, and it’s kind of a horse-for-course type of track, so we’re hoping that he takes to it really well. It’d be pretty cool to win a million-and-a-half-dollar race, that’s for sure.” The 3-year-old colt, owned by Gold Square LLC, has had a strong series of workouts since his most recent race, including a bullet :47.20-second breeze over four furlongs on Woodbine’s all-weather track. Two Out Hero is accompanied by Attard’s assistant trainer and son, Joshua Attard. “I feel great and very confident in Two Out Hero for his race,” said Joshua. “He shipped very well and has settled in very nicely. We gave him the chance to train over the track the last two days, and he has looked very well on it. I think the long stretch will help him, and he has tactical speed, so we should be around mid-pack and work out a good trip.” The colt has three wins from eight lifetime starts, and the 22-year-old assistant trainer can point to what he believes is his greatest strength. “Two Out Hero is a very smart individual,” he said. “It’s obviously a tough race and a big step up in class, but he has shown us all the signs that he is up to the challenge, no matter how hard the task is. Hero is a horse that tries all the time, and I think that’s what makes him so special. He’s a horse that knows when it’s race day and can’t wait to get on the track and show everyone what he’s got.” He will have a familiar rider in the saddle, with Woodbine’s own Rafael Hernandez aboard. Kevin Attard has horses running at four different tracks today — Kentucky Downs, Saratoga, Woodbine and Fort Erie. The multiple graded stakes winning conditioner reflected on the opportunity his son has been given. “He’s done a great job. Obviously, I’m very proud of him. He has a big drive to be successful in this industry, and I think this has been a good opportunity for him. It opened some doors and allowed people to see him on a different platform, in a sense. His last trip was at Saratoga, off of a victory, so we’re hoping that maybe he can get us another win here in Kentucky now.” The younger Attard isn’t taking the opportunity for granted. “It’s pretty special to be here with Two Out Hero at Kentucky Downs,” he said. “I am honoured and privileged to be working with my dad as an assistant trainer and giving me these opportunities to travel to the best racetracks in North America with his horses is pretty special. Hopefully, we can have a great day at Kentucky Downs on Monday with Dyna, Ada Clare and Two Out Hero.” -30- Anna Jeffs, for Woodbine Share This:Share
