TORONTO, June 2 – Blurricane, a five-year-old daughter of Rebellion, heads into Sunday’s Grade 3 $125,000 Hendrie Stakes at Woodbine off a smart score in the Ballade Stakes on May 14. Sent off at 14-1 in the Ballade, a six-furlong test for Ontario-sired fillies and mares, Blurricane, under Eurico Rosa da Silva, rallied wide to notch a half-length victory in her first start of the campaign. Trainer Martin Drexler is hoping for an encore performance in the 6 ½-furlong main track Hendrie, a race that’s attracted 10 starters. “She’s never been as good in her life as she is coming into this race,” said Drexler. “I wasn’t blown away that she won her last race, but I was a little bit surprised. With her, you just never count her out. She’s a great, little horse that figures out a way to get it done.” Blurricane was claimed by Drexler and owners Ken Lee, Dennis Mitchell, and Don and Gaye Bell for $25,000 out of her last start of 2015. Bred by Bernard and Karen McCormack, the bay has been a consistent performer throughout her 20-race career, recording eight wins along with four seconds and two thirds. “I just loved her form,” recalled Drexler, of the decision to put in a claim. “She’s just a racehorse that tries hard. Racehorses that have the will to want to do it are always the ones that catch your eye. She’s a great horse to train. She may get a little nervous in her stall at times, but not going to the races. That’s what makes her cool. She never sweats up, she’s just ready to go out there and perform.” Blurricane, listed at 10-1 in the morning line, will have Alan Garcia in the irons on Sunday. Leading rider da Silva will pilot Chic Thrill for trainer Malcolm Pierce. Drexler believes his charge is up for her latest challenge, however the race happens to plays out. “She’s fit and she’s ready,” he offered. “You know once the running starts, she’ll explode with a big run. Even if there’s just an ounce of room, she won’t hesitate to battle her way through. You know with her that’s she going to try hard.” The Hendrie is slated as race eight on Sunday. First-race post time is 1 p.m. FIELD FOR THE HENDRIE Post / Horse / Jockey / Trainer 1 / Crumlin Spirit / David Moran / Michael Doyle 2 / Minks Aprise / Patrick Husbands / Roger Attfield 3 / Rattataptap / Jesse Campbell / William Mott 4 / Chic Thrill / Eurico Rosa da Silva / Malcolm Pierce 5 / Blurricane / Alan Garcia / Martin Drexler 6 / Code Warrior / Anne Sanguinetti / Rachel Halden 7 / River Maid / Gary Boulanger / Robert Tiller 8 / Miss Ella / Luis Contreras / Graham Motion 9 / Cactus Copy / Huber Villa-Gomez / Ryan Walsh 10 / Jennifer Lynnette / Rafael Hernandez / Mark Casse Share This:Share
