Woodbine Notebook: August 7

In this week’s Woodbine Notebook, Dancin in Da’nile returns to a winning distance, Truly Quality brings proven Grade 3 class, and Secret Society looks to complete a hat trick at Mohawk on Saturday night.

Familiar ground

Dancin in Da’nile last visited the winner’s circle on Nov. 2, 2024, capturing an inner turf allowance optional claimer over the same 1 3/8-mile distance as the Niagara Stakes.

Raisin’ eyebrows

Sultana sports mark of 2-0-1 from 3 starts on the turf.

‘Quality’ effort

Truly Quality won his previous start at Woodbine, taking the 2024 Singspiel Stakes (G3T).

Hat trick time at Mohawk?

It’s no secret that handicapper Garnet Barnsdale likes Secret Society in Race 3 on Saturday night.

“#6 SECRET SOCIETY was purchased by heavy hitters Pollack Racing Llc last summer after he raced well three times in a row. He then finished fifth in the Pennsylvania Stallion Series Final, and he hadn’t finished in the top five again until he moved into Dave Menary’s barn on July 9. He came into that race off a sick scratch and prior to that a break in stride. He did get in easier in that spot, though, and despite missing more than a month, he paced his way to a win and a new lifetime mark. He fired back two weeks later in the same class, and he led all the way to lower his lifetime mark to 1:51-flat while being claimed by Jamie Copley. He faces tougher tonight, but he draws best and he might be up to the challenge. I’ll give him the nod to start up tonight’s early Pick 4.”

Salute the ‘Major’

Barnsdale’s top choice for the final Saturday night dash at Mohawk is Major Perry N.

“#3 MAJOR PERRY N has won three times in 24 starts at Mohawk Park since arriving from New Zealand last December. All three of his victories came when he raced in classes higher than tonight’s and he gets to drop to the lowest level since he landed. He gets major post relief tonight, too, and on paper he is simply the fastest horse in this field. He should be tough to beat in here.”