Woodbine Notebook: September 4

In this week’s Woodbine Notebook, Katie’s Grace looks to complete the Canadian Triple Tiara on a winning note, Rachel Halden brings a big one-two punch to the Grade 3 Singspiel, Garnet Barnsdale serves up his thoughts on the Simcoe Stakes at Mohawk, and more.

Green machines

Fresh off a one-two finish in last month’s Niagara Stakes, stablemates English Actor and Side Street will meet again in Saturday’s running of the $175,000 HPIbet Singspiel Stakes (G3T) at Woodbine.

Shoring up for Singspiel

Coburg, trained by Sean Smullen, is coming off a commanding 7 ¼-length score on Aug. 2 at Woodbine.

“He was really dominant in that race,” praised Smullen. “He’s got a big free-flowing stride, and he likes to get into that rhythm. “I believe he’s an out and out stayer, so I think the further he goes, the better he will perform. For that reason, I think the mile and 3/8 (Singspiel distance) will really benefit him. The main thing with him is to get into his natural stride and not get interrupted in any way – just a nice clear run, and I think he’ll stay well.”

Another crown for ‘Grace’?

Katie’s Grace, who earned her first stakes crown when she won the second leg, the Bison City Stakes, on Aug. 8, will look to cap off the Triple Tiara with a win in the final jewel, the $350,000 Wonder Where Stakes, Sunday at Woodbine.

Trained by multiple graded stakes winner Catherine Day Phillips for Chivalry Thoroughbred Racing LLC and Hubert Vester, Katie’s Grace heads into her first turf race off a rallying two-length triumph in the 1 1/16-mile Bison City over the main track.

“I think the added distance will suit her, and she should enjoy the long stretch (1,440 feet from the start of the stretch to the finish line) of the course,” said Day Phillips. “As a Kitten’s Joy offspring, she should enjoy the turf. I love the E.P. Taylor turf, and we are delighted to be back on it.”

Saturday night Mohawk special

Handicapper Garnet Barnsdale is siding with a 5-1 morning line trotter in Race 2 on Saturday night at Mohawk.

“#3 TOUCHEDBYANANGEL is one that I will side with in this small Grand Circuit field seeking out some value for the early Pick 5 seeing as he is quoted at 5 to 1 in the morning line. Leading up to his last start, he hit the board in four straight starts, and he had that streak broken on August 12th at Grand River through no fault of his own. He suffered interference from rival Strobe Lite as that one was clearing to the front at the half. And that interference threw this gelding off stride. He got a perfect tightener in for this Grand Circuit event on August 23rd when he was given an easy trip racing third most of the way before zooming past some decent conditioned horses. He will likely be more aggressive tonight in this short field.”