View from the Booth by Robert Geller

TORONTO, May 29, 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.

JACK’S MEMORY (Friday, May 11 – Race 8, No. 2, 3rd)

She may have been a beaten favourite first out but I wouldn’t jump off the bandwagon yet since the manner in which Jack’s Memory gobbled up late ground in the stretch for third was eye-catching. The winner, Midnight Strider, went gate-to-wire chased throughout by runner-up Opeongo. The amount of early ground conceded in her comeback race was staggering in a seven-horse field – Jack’s Memory still over a dozen lengths out of it at the top of the lane to lose by just two and a quarter. Nonetheless, that style was reminiscent of her debut win last December, storming home from the back of the pack of an 11-horse field to win going away over Zestina, who had recently broken her maiden off the bench. Trainer Robert Tiller is off to a flying start with his stock, and Jack’s Memory (ON) remains dangerous at the optional claiming level, particularly when more speed is signed on to face her.

SI VIDIN (Saturday, May 19 – Race 3, No. 7, 3rd)

Sent off friendless in the betting at 29-1 odds, first-time starter Si Vidin gave a cheeky display in his debut run when third to the talented red-hot favourite Strike Revenge. In fact, the newcomer did all the heavy lifting, challenging the winner on the lead from the half-mile home, fading in the final 1/16th to be snapped at the wire for second by Mo Gee, another promising type. His affinity for turf is not surprising given the Kentucky-bred three-year-old ridgling is by Artie Schiller. Showing speed throughout the six furlongs and having looked a real threat to upset halfway down the lane, Si Vidin ran well above expectations. This John Matinee newcomer is worth keeping an eye on when on grass and may well sneak under the radar again in his next maiden special weight attempt.

Follow Geller on Twitter @WoodbineGeller​​​ for more insights on racing at Woodbine.