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View from the Booth by Robert Geller

November 1, 2020

TORONTO, November 1, 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.

LOVE IN THE AIR (October 24, Race 5, No. 4, 2nd)

In her debut, two-year-old filly Love in the Air caught the eye when runner-up to State Crown at seven furlongs on the main track. After sitting a handy trip behind the leaders, it wasn’t until she came away from the rail inside the final furlong that she began to stretch out, gaining on the winner to be beaten a half-length with 2-1/4 lengths back to Careless Heiress in third. Behind them were both Road to Romance and Diamond Ore, who had run competitively against stakes quality two-year-old.  The pace of the race was moderate and her ability to close ground commendable.

Trained by Mark Casse for John Oxley, Love in the Air is by Constitution from a Freud dam and looks suited to sprint or route.  The filly left me with the impression that she has the makings of a nice horse and that a maiden allowance win is not far off.

AFLEET EDDIE (October 30, Race 3, No. 3, 3rd)

Despite trailing the field by several lengths soon after the break, first-time starter Afleet Eddie closed steady ground through the stretch for a handy third. The debut winner, Hung Jury, looked useful, swooping from off the pace to glide to victory over favourite Pink Gelato by 2-1/4 lengths with Afleet Eddie 4-1/4 behind. By Wicked Strong, the two-year-old may be capable of doing more than just pick up a piece given he was off to such a slow start and that he should appreciate more ground than the 5-1/2 furlongs in his debut.

Sent off at odds of 10-1 for the barn of Phillip Hall, Afleet Eddie could remain competitive around the $40,000 claiming tag and should offer value.

DAMA ELEGANTE (October 31, Race 3, No. 1, 3rd)

Little could be ascertained from her debut when she failed to finish the E.P. Taylor turf course but Dama Elegante perked up on the parachute drop from maiden allowance to $10,000 claimer next out on the stretch out on the main track. At the back of the field for the first half of the 1-1/16 miles, Dama Elegante produced a long sustained run that saw her outrun her odds of 33-1 to finish third to La Bonita and early breakaway leader San Nicola Star. Admittedly, she was facing a soft bunch but if the two-year-old filly returns at the same level going long, another step forward is feasible given how lightly raced she is. By Animal Kingdom, another attempt on turf may yet be on the cards.

Honourable mentions: 

A I INITIATIVE (October 30, Race 4, No. 15, 5th)

From the outside post in a big field, A I Initiative made late ground from last to pick up a closing fifth at odds of 24-1 in his first Woodbine try behind Mo Nation and could surprise at a price in a similarly low level claiming route.

I IDOLIZE YOU (October 30, Race 7, No. 7, 5th)

I Idolize You came from the tail end in his first route try at Woodbine to finish on well for fifth at huge odds of 94-1 despite traffic issues at the top of the stretch and could also surprise in a similarly low level claiming race.

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

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