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View from the Booth by Robert Geller

August 13, 2019

TORONTO, August 13, 2019 – 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.

JUNGLE FIGHTER (Sunday, August 4, Race 6, No. 4, 2nd)

For his first run on turf against experienced gallopers over a mile and a quarter, Jungle Fighter gave every indication that he is a talent on the rise. The lone three-year-old in this high level allowance optional claimer, Jungle Fighter finished a close second to Strike the Flag, beaten merely a head, with a further neck back to Artistico.  Despite being steadied at the top of the stretch, Jungle Fighter angled out and rallied to miss narrowly. After two previous wins on the main track, it was no surprise to see that this Kentucky-bred son of Animal Kingdom shows as much affinity for the E.P. Taylor turf. It has been a strong season for Adena Springs and Jungle Fighter can continue to add to their success. This latest second speaks volumes for his future and trainer Robert Tiller looks to have many options.

SOUPER STONEHENGE (Monday, August 5, Race 7, No. 1, 1st)

There was an ease and fluidity in the winning stride of Souper Stonehenge, who scored a most impressive last-to-first victory at 6-1/2 furlongs at the allowance level in his most recent start. Trainer Mark Casse combined with Patrick Husbands, who settled the horse at the rear of the field of seven, taking over in the stretch, drawing off by 3-1/2 lengths over Stormfuhr with a further three-quarters of a length back to Waldorf. Given the conditions of the race, Souper Stonehenge can continue to ascend the class ladder. This was the first success against winners since coming to Woodbine from Gulfstream Park, hot on the heels of two seconds. Keep in mind, the three-year-old is beautifully bred by Speightstown from a Medaglio d’Oro dam which begs the question if we will see him on turf too.

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

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