TORONTO, August 7, 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. CARDINAL KITTEN (July 25 – Race 3, No. 9, 2nd) For a first lifetime appearance, Cardinal Kitten offered plenty of scope. Immediately after the break, rider Eurico da Silva guided him across from the outside gate to the rail and from that point on, the newcomer appeared to respond to every cue. The favourite Encyclopedia went gate-to-wire for the mile and a quarter on turf across slow early fractions. Coming from off the pace at the turn for home, Cardinal Kitten was initially blocked but threaded between runners to gain ground to place second, beaten three parts of a length. It was a further 2-1/2 lengths back to Real Dude, who finished third off his #QP18 try. From such a promising debut, Cardinal Kitten can be expected to attract solid support in his second start but has the look of a coming winner. KA GEE GEE (August 1 – Race 1, No. 7, 2nd) Debutante filly Ka Gee Gee outran her 22-1 odds with a hard-fought second on turf at six furlongs to the promising Lady Azalea, the winner showing the benefit from her own debut second to Bold Script, one of the more impressive two-year-old winners of the meet. Ka Gee Gee displayed decent speed from the get-go, handling the pressured pace set by Con Artist, who later faded with Lady Azalea prodding between the pair. It was not until well inside the final furlong that Lady Azalea drew off to score by 2-1/2 lengths. To her credit, Ka Gee Gee stuck on gamely, a sizable four and three quarter lengths ahead of Toonie Loonie, in third. As to the favourite Souper Scatdaddle, who would not budge when the gates opened, the jury is out. In a barn that is beginning to heat up, Ka Gee Gee deserves more than “a second thought” whoever she faces next time out. Follow Geller on Twitter @WoodbineGeller for more insights on racing at Woodbine. Share This:Share
