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View From The Booth by @WoodbineGeller

June 24, 2017

TORONTO, June 21 – Each week, track announcer Robert Geller will comment on some of the performances that caught his eye, highlighting horses to key on in upcoming races at Woodbine. Follow Robert on Twitter @WoodbineGeller​ for more insights on racing at Woodbine.
On the stretch out from her unplaced 5f debut to the 1-1/16M on turf, 3YO filly, Via Ann caught the eye with an improved effort behind previously stakes-placed Sister Nation. Prominent near the rail in the stretch, Via Ann had some trouble getting a clear shot at them, outrunning her 34/1 odds by holding on gamely for 4th almost three lengths ahead of third favourite Lost Point. The added ground, distance and surface switch all seemed to work in her favour. On the other hand, traffic issues and being on the worse side of the turf that day worked against her. Trainer Dan Vella does well with these types that show an affinity for the grass. With just two career starts, Via Ann, a daughter of Street Boss looks to have more scope than she has been given credit for. That could soon change.
Trainer Ricky Griffith sent Tiger Paw out in an optional claimer over 1-1/16M on Tapeta in his first Woodbine start after shipping in from Gulfstream Park. Doing his best work at the finish, Tiger Paw got clear of some of the back-markers at the head of the lane to close in for a decent 4th behind Guitar George and Arthur’s Pass who staged an epic battle to the wire. Tiger Paw has had two wins. With the first on the turf over a mile at Arlington a year ago and his more recent on the all weather at 1-1/16M at Turfway Park, Tiger Paw has options, effective on both surfaces. With a nice closing kick, it is now up to the barn to find the right race conditions that can bring out the best in him.

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