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Ernie Perri: 5 Horses To Watch

March 29, 2023

TORONTO, March 29, 2023– Woodbine’s Head Clocker and Oddsmaker Ernie Perri shared his thoughts on a handful of horses to keep an eye on when the Toronto oval’s 2023 Thoroughbred season starts on Saturday, April 22.

Ironstone (for Willy Armata)

“Ironstone is one of a few horses I’ve seen with natural speed. He would breeze in :58 seconds for 5/8ths on a regular basis and that’s just natural for him. He has been very competitive in some longer races last year, but I would like to see focus more on sprints. He could be our sprint division leader this year.”

Ironstone and jockey Kazushi Kimura winning the Ontario Derby on October 23, 2022 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)
Ironstone and jockey Kazushi Kimura winning the Ontario Derby on October 23, 2022 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)

Twin City (for Stuart Simon)

“Twin City ran a great race in the Coronation Futurity to finish second, where he was trapped on the rail looking for room. He also tried hard in all his previous races. He could be a dark horse on the King’s Plate trail.”

Twin City and jockey Gary Boulanger winning on the Woodbine Tapeta on October 13, 2022 (Michael Burns Photo)
Twin City and jockey Gary Boulanger winning on the Woodbine Tapeta on October 13, 2022 (Michael Burns Photo)

Stanley House (for Mike DePaulo)

“Stanley House showed a lot of promise training here last spring and finished second twice. He did break his maiden with ease on the Tapeta at Gulfstream at their winter meet. He is one to watch in the 3-year-old division.”

Reload’s Rascal (for Michelle Love)

“Reload’s Rascal has been coming along very nicely for Michelle Love. She has been very patient with this 4-year-old gelding who did not run as a 2-year-old, and he is two-for-two lifetime. I expect this one to get through his conditions and he might have stakes potential.”

Reload's Rascal and jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson winning on the Woodbine Tapeta on November 25, 2022 (Michael Burns Photo)
Reload’s Rascal and jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson winning on the Woodbine Tapeta on November 25, 2022 (Michael Burns Photo)

Stormy Silence (for Shelley Fitzgerald)

“Stormy Silence is a 5-year-old mare who just started her career at 4. She is a hard-trying sort that has won her first two starts and finished second in her stakes debut. I expect her to be one of the leaders in the filly and mare Ontario Sired division this year.”

Stormy Silence and jockey Sahin Civaci winning on the Woodbine Tapeta on July 14, 2022 (Michael Burns Photo)
Stormy Silence and jockey Sahin Civaci winning on the E.P. Taylor turf on July 14, 2022 (Michael Burns Photo)

Ernie Perri / @WoodbineClocker 

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