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Sheri Riddoch (@gofilly) Handicaps the Plate Trial and Woodbine Oaks Presented by Budweiser

July 23, 2022

TORONTO, July 23, 2022 – Guest expert handicapper Sheri Riddoch (@gofilly) takes a closer look at handicapping Sunday’s Woodbine Oaks presented by Budweiser and the Plate Trial.

To view Riddoch’s daily “Plays of the Day” for Woodbine.com, click here.

Woodbine Race 7 Plate Trial $150,000 1 1/8th Tapeta

Top Contenders

#8 The Minkster (2-1) is currently undefeated and beat Rondure last out, who has since come back to win the Marine in eye-catching fashion by open lengths, has already successfully stretched out at this distance, should sit the perfect trip in here and all signs point to him taking a step forward. The one to beat.

#7 Dancin in Da’nile (6-1) was super impressive in his debut this year taking on older company on the turf. He was a fading second to the Minkster in the Coronation Futurity last October at this distance. Very dangerous should he step forward off that effort… my concern is maybe Tapeta isn’t his preferred surface.

#5 Causin’ Mayhem (5-2) is a mystery in here. This seemingly talented son of Into Mischief lost his debut race by a neck on turf, then led the whole way over a sloppy track second out, now will make his synthetic surface debut going the longest in his career. Have to think connections figure he has a good shot to bring him, and that the Queen’s Plate is their ultimate goal.

*Longshot Play

#1 Guard of Honour (20-1) has been a steady fringe player with consistent numbers. I like to look for horses like him as I believe he still has potential to move forward and may be overlooked with bettors. Last out, I think he did all the tough work and lost the lead late, however he is continually learning and growing and possibly may put it all together here. He will need to dig down and find that extra effort to give him the win.

Race 9 Woodbine Oaks $500,000 1 1/8th Tapeta

Top Contenders

#3 Moira (5-2) has been nothing but impressive in her career so far, her eye-catching win in the Princess Elizabeth last year stamped her as an early contender for the Oaks, even with her second-place effort in the Grade 3 Mazarine in which she was outkicked by Mrs. Barbara. I thought that was great race education for her, especially as this year when she returned after a seven-month layoff in the Fury and gutted out a win while not in her top form or ideal distance. A win here should solidify her spot in the Queen’s Plate, if they choose.

#6 Sahlabiya (3-1) is very interesting and cannot be ignored. She will be making her third career start as well as her Tapeta debut. Usually, turf form does transfer over so the surface shouldn’t be an issue. She was second at the distance last out while setting the pace. A beautifully bred filly that I will use on my tickets for sure and have to think if she runs well here the Queen’s Plate is on the table – similar to the path with Moira.

#7 Sister Seagull (10-1) is another filly that has started to put everything together. Very impressive win last out and should relish the additional distance. Third start of her current form cycle, which is always an angle I look for. She may be sitting on a career-best effort.

*Longshot Play

#9 Curlin Candy (20-1) is super consistent at second. In her defense, she stumbled at the start last out at this distance, so it threw her off. However, there is other speed in here so she won’t have everything her own way on the front. Will be a tall ask to try to wire, however she may be the one that has the right trip, on the right day at the right time.

Late P5 play starting Race 7: 8/5,6,8/3,6/4,7,3/3,7,8,9 *singling Minkster to start

Good luck how you play, safe trips for all, and I will post plays on my Twitter handle sheri@gofilly

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