TORONTO, October 23, 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. BALA FALLS (October 12, Race 4, No. 13, 3rd) It is not too late to get on the bandwagon with Bala Falls, especially as we enter the final stretch of the season. Effective on both surfaces, the three-year-old handed in another game effort for trainer Elizabeth Elder when finishing third in a $40,000 claimer at 6-1/2 furlongs that was switched off the turf to the main track. Bala Falls was beaten a mere head and a neck by tiring winner Alicia’s Kid, who narrowly staved off Mambointheforest in a blanket finish. The fact that there was so little between several runners at the wire is nothing new to Bala Falls, who finished hot on the heels of the first four in a closing fifth the race prior at the same distance on turf under the same conditions. Bala Falls has not had the easiest of trips this campaign but has performed well in big fields at good odds and remains highly competitive. SABINA PARK (October 14, Race 9, No. 1, 2nd) Three-year-old filly Sabina Park all but got up to win when runner-up to Mintaka Belle, who fought tooth and nail to score by a head at the six furlongs. A daughter of Souper Speedy from a Victory Gallop dam, Sabina Park appreciated the drop in class from her debut at the maiden special weight level to a $25,000 claiming tag. In both races, she began slowly but closed ground, indicating her style is suited in races where there is a solid tempo up front. Sabina Park made steady progress when fifth on the inner turf at five furlongs and relished the added distance when runner-up last time on the main track. In one more bound, the result could well have been different, which is good news for trainer Denise McClachrie, who claimed the filly for owners Ryan Kerbel and Howard Rubin. With two promising runs under her belt, Sabina Park looks like a coming winner. Follow Geller on Twitter @WoodbineGeller for more insights on racing at Woodbine. Share This:Share
