TORONTO, November 6, 2018 – Each week, track announcer Robert Geller comments on some of the performances that caught his eye, highlighting horses to key in on for upcoming races at Woodbine. TRIPWIRE (October 21 – Race 8, No. 2, 2nd) After a close third in a nail-biting three-way battle to the wire in his debut, Tripwire came back with a gallant second at a similar distance in the Grade 3 Grey Stakes to the undefeated Solidify. The mixed tempo took the toll on favourite Nashtrick, who faded to the tail in the stretch, whereas Tripwire held his ground throughout against the winner who had settled in last early. Forced to switch course at the top of the lane, Tripwire rallied gamely to rebuild momentum inside the final 1/16-mile to go down fighting by a half-length. An Ontario-bred two-year-old by Flashback from a Milwaukee Brew dam, trainer Mike Maker looks to have a reliable router in Tripwire, who with an ounce of racing luck could be set to trip the wire first next time out. SAMURAI QUEEN (October 31 – Race 1, No. 1, 4th) At the head of the lane, things didn’t go quite to plan for race favourite Samurai Queen, shut down on the rail in a pocket with insufficient time to get out and finish on. Those who took the short odds had to settle for fourth-place. Her form line in three starts now reads 2nd, 3rd and 4th, but it would be unfair to suggest that Samurai Queen is headed in the wrong direction. On the contrary, both her route efforts have exposed her ability beyond a mile, beaten less than two lengths despite traffic trouble. Upset winner Music Major, nabbed Bossy Madam with She’s in Charge third and Samurai Queen the unlucky fourth. Trainer Barbara Minshall is a dab hand with two-year-olds and this filly by First Samurai from a Flatter dam looks set to atone before the end of the meet. Follow Geller on Twitter @WoodbineGeller for more insights on racing at Woodbine. Share This:Share
