TORONTO, June 4, 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. SANITY (May 25, 2019, Race 6, No. 7, 3rd) In her first start back at Woodbine as a five-year-old after having campaigned at the Fairgrounds and Gulfstream Park in winter for some minor awards, the first strike against Sanity was the race switch from turf, her preferred surface, to Tapeta. The second strike came in the actual race during which she found precious little room in which to build her customary long sustained run. Toward the tail early, Sanity then remained wedged in mid-pack until the turn for home with jockey Patrick Husbands angling out where he could to get a clear shot at the pack. By then the leader and winner, Sly Beauty, along with runner-up Magic Spell, had broken away. To her credit, Sanity made up the most ground of any horse in the field, closing well at the end of the 6-1/2 furlongs. Trainer Mark Casse brought a number of wins out of Sanity last year at Woodbine and if her recent effort is any indication, another one, especially if back on turf, could be just around the corner. SEPTEMBER BREEZE (May 24, 2019, Race 9, No. 10, 2nd) Of the three first-time starters in the nightcap on turf at 6 furlongs, it was three-year-old September Breeze who fared the best, putting her best foot forward in the final furlong to take second behind 3-3/4-length runaway winner, Grey Seal, a four-year-old on the drop who kept handy to the lead throughout. Once September Breeze began to show late interest, her rally appeared decent, working down the centre of the course to beat out Joy’s Solution and Express Banking. Debuting for a $40,000 optional claiming, this Ontario-bred is a daughter of Sky Mesa from a Quiet American dam. She races for successful owners Anne & William Scott, who won a stakes earlier in the meet with Summer Sunday, also trained by Stuart Simon. If September Breeze does return at a similar level on turf, she cannot be expected to go off at 19-1 odds again yet may still represent a decent across the board play. Follow Geller on Twitter @WoodbineGeller for more insights on racing at Woodbine. Share This:Share
