Inside Track for July 5-6 A look at some of the top highlights from the past weekend of racing at Woodbine. Gold Rush A gold label effort from Creed’s Gold in Saturday’s $150,000 Hendrie (G3) landed the 4-year-old daughter of Jimmy Creed–Foxyfromfairbanks, and owner Kristin Meldahl, their first career stakes scores. The commanding coast-to-coast victory by 3 ¾ lengths rectified a challenging seventh in Creed Gold’s graded stakes debut, which came last time out in the Intercontinental (G2T) on June 5 at Saratoga. At 9-2, the chestnut trained by Mark Casse and bred by Linda Griggs, paid $11.20. Three cheers (and wins) for Hernandez Saturday was also a banner day for rider Rafael Hernandez, who netted a hat trick, highlighted by the Hendrie (G3) with Creed’s Gold in race nine. Canada’s outstanding jockey award recipient in 2020 tracked down his first tally of the afternoon in race six aboard the Martin Drexler trained Just Pray – a 4 ½-length triumph at 3-1. Hernandez teamed back up with Drexler to capture race eight with veteran mare Gloriannia before punctuating the trifecta in the Hendrie. Two Course Meal Eswan Flores’ versatility was on full display Sunday, as the veteran rider guided two mounts to the winner’s circle in back-to-back races, each on a different surface. Starting in race two – a 6 ½ furlong turf dash – Flores piloted 4-year-old Klimt–Ruby Roan colt Gilt Edge (pictured, Michael Burns Photography) to a comeback victory over 3-2 favourite Summer Commander. The multiple graded stakes winning jockey rode the momentum into race three, delivering a gate-to-wire 2 ½-length victory on the main track with Devon Gittens-trained gelding Your Valentino. Stay tuned Live racing continues Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, the $125,000 My Dear Stakes and $125,000 Victoria Stakes share the spotlight. The $100,000 Ballade Stakes is the feature race on Sunday. Share This:Share
