TORONTO, October 4, 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. DOLDER GRAND (September 20, Race 7, No. 7, 3rd) Named after a historic five star hotel in Zurich, expensive purchase Dolder Grand took a big step forward in his second lifetime start when a solid, closing third in the Summer Stakes to Gretzky the Great and Ready to Repeat on turf at the mile. Despite a slow start then racing three and four-wide into the turn, Dolder Grand closed from the back of the field to be beaten 4-1/4 lengths at the wire. His racing style was similar to that shown in his debut over seven furlongs to Download and Mt. Logan when also third. By Candy Ride from a Tapit dam, this Mark Casse-trained two-year-old looks headed in the right direction, showing improvement from his debut and an appreciation of added distance. It will be interesting to see where the Kentucky-bred next competes given that he has already shown himself worthy of tackling the big boys. SOUPER SENSATIONAL (September 26, Race 5, No. 6, 1st) Given the power and authority of the win by debutante filly Souper Sensational, she merits being put immediately on our watch list. The question is not one of will she win again but one of as to where she will next win. Souper Sensational, a Kentukcy-bred daughter of Curlin from an Indian Charlie dam, defeated another impressive first-time starter in Speightstown Shirl by 2-1/4 lengths over seven furlongs on the main track.. Rider Patrick Husbands sat a nice trip on the winner, biding his time in a handy fourth before peeling away from the rail to sweep past the runner-up then breeze on to the wire with plenty left. The pair drew off by a staggering 9-3/4 lengths from the rest of the field, headed by Diamond Ore in third. Trainer Mark Casse has unveiled some visually impressive debutante winners at Woodbine before and this win by Souper Sensational lived right up to her name and rates highly among them. Follow Geller on Twitter @WoodbineGeller for more insights on racing at Woodbine. Share This:Share
