TORONTO, September 7, 2020 – Track announcer Robert Geller comments on some of the performances that caught his eye in this regular segment, highlighting horses to key in on for upcoming races at Woodbine. MR. COOL (August 30, Race 5, No. 9, 2nd) In a tenacious debut performance, three-year-old Mr. Cool showed plenty of early dash on the turf that he sustained to hold down second place at the end of 6-1/2 furlongs behind runaway winner Big Executive. In the barn of Darwin Banach, Mr. Cool outran his 17-1 odds to do the best of four first-time starters in the 11-horse $40,000 maiden optional claimer. The winner, Big Executive, was taking an edge on the class drop with the benefit of three solid runs under the belt so the widening margin of victory of 6-3/4 lengths need be seen in that context. Mr. Cool still held down second by two lengths over Sharp’s River. By Mr. Speaker from a Dance Brightly dam, a similar effort at the same level next out could see Mr. Cool go all the way. VENUS VERITY (August 27, Race 8, No. 2, 2nd) The complete turnaround in form by Venus Verity in her second lifetime start caught my attention. After having run absolute last as a two-year-old at the same level on the turf for the same claiming price of $40,000, not only did Venus Verity stand out on looks in the post parade but she ran accordingly. Handy to the pace throughout, Venus Verity sat second from the half-mile, offering good kick in the stretch to go down fighting, beaten 1-1/4 lengths by the favourite Get Off My Tail with a further 2-1/2 lengths back to Samantha’s Joy in third. Trainer Kevin Attard added blinkers for the return of the daughter of Silver Max who outran her 15-1 odds. The 10 months off between races and the switch to the main track appeared to have done her the world of good and for Venus Verity the best may be yet to come. Follow Geller on Twitter @WoodbineGeller for more insights on racing at Woodbine. Share This:Share
