TORONTO, November 20, 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. AUBURN HILLS (November 3, Race 2, No. 1, 3rd) First-time starter Auburn Hills encountered traffic issues when third at 1-1/16 miles in her debut on the main track, two lengths behind the top pair, Disclosure and Awesome Tiger, that finished a head apart. The only new face in the field of two-year-olds, Auburn Hills is a nicely-bred colt by Palace Malice from a Silver Deputy dam in the solid barn of Josie Carroll. Not only did Auburn Hills break slowly from the gate, but after settling mid-pack, was blocked on the rail at the top of the lane. Sent off as a lukewarm 3-1 favourite, to his credit, Auburn Hills rallied for a game third, a length and a half clear of Viature in fourth. Auburn Hills may well have threatened for the win had his momentum not been halted in the stretch. The youngster could be hard to beat next time out. ARTIESATTHEPARTY (November 10, Race 6, No. 3, 2nd) After out-dueling the two favoured runners in his debut, Artiesattheparty held on strongly for second at the end of the 6-1/2 furlongs. The eventual winner, Speedy Bolt, took over inside the final half-furlong, having enjoyed a cozy trip along the rail to win easily. Artiesattheparty finished two and a half lengths to the good of another newcomer, Liquid Louie, who closed handily up the rail for third. Sent off at 18-1 odds, Artiesattheparty is stablemate to three-year-old filly Sav, winner of the La Prevoyante Stakes earlier that day and is also owned by Steve Duffield. By We Miss Artie, this two-year-old shapes as potentially being suited to both turf and Tapeta though only main track options remain at this stage of the meet. Trainer Ricky Griffith enjoys good success with two-year-olds and a return at this same level at a slightly abbreviated distance could see Artiesattheparty go all the way. Follow Geller on Twitter @WoodbineGeller for more insights on racing at Woodbine. Share This:Share
