Confederation Cup Selections

While those of us south of the border will be busy focusing on racing at Harrah's tomorrow (except for their 31-35% takeout rates on trifectas and superfectas), there is some important racing north of the border at Flamboro Downs Sunday afternoon. Flamboro Downs offers free programs for all their racing cards, so make sure you download yours. I have taken a look at the Signature Pacing Series Final, two Ontario Sire Stakes Gold finals for two year olds (there are two levels of sire stakes in Ontario, the gold division and the grass roots for second tier horses) and the two eliminations of the Confederation Cup.

I do have a question for our Ontario friends. Can someone tell me why the 2yo colt trot final has ten starters yet the 2yo colt pace only has nine starters (both races have two also eligibles)?

As to whether I get to see the Confederation Cup, that is a different story. I checked NJAW's simulcast schedule and all they show is the calender through today; I guess keeping the calendar up to date is too much to ask for. Anyway, on with my selections.....


3rd Pace - The Signature Pacing Series - Final
5 - Greystone Cash (5-2)
6 - Pieraz (6-1)
4 - Donttrytostopme (20-1)
3 - Mach Beth (15-1)

Greystone Cash has won both preliminary legs of this series with first over moves. Obviously the one to beat. Pieraz has been racing well in this series; parked out for a half in last race second over; can land second spot with a trip. Donttrytostopme had no success last start with third over trip. With better post and any racing luck can complete trifecta. Mach Beth looking for first win this year; good enough to possibly complete the exotics.


5th Trot - Ontario Sire Stakes Gold Final - 2yo colts
4 - Text Me (8-1)
7 - Pointe to Pointe (6-1)
1 - Duke Maccallum (4-1)
3 - Reach Higher (5-2)

Text Me was first over last start to Point to Pointe and lost exciting stretch duel. Moves inside of Pointe to Pointe which may be the difference this race. Pointe to Pointe was upset winner in last race, move outside compromises chances. Duke Maccallum won last in slower time as top two; from rail completes trifecta. Reach Higher won his elimination also slower than top two; odds offer no value.


9th Pace - Confederation Cup XXXII - 1st Elimination
1 - Bay of Sharks (4-1)
6 - Fast Pay (3-1)
2 - If I Can Dream (5-2)
5 - Nob Hill High (8-1)

Top four finishers in each elimination plus fastest fifth place finisher return for 12th race $560,000 final. While the best American horses are in the Battle of the Brandywine earlier on Sunday, the Confederation Cup offers a top flight field as well. Bay of Sharks won prep at Flamboro despigt being blocked at the 3/4 pole. Been right there against the top horse in the Burlington and NA Cup elimination and consolation; this is his week. Fast Pay won an awesome OnSS final at Mohwah in 1:49 in last; just a step below top choice class-wise. Main threat. If I Can Dream finished fourth in Adios. Rooney winner can't be ignored. Nob Hill High just a step below these. May land spot in superfecta.

10th Pace - Confederation Cup XXXIII - 2nd Elimination
5 - Passmaster Hanover (5-2)
4 - River Shark (3-1)
6 - Lyons Horace (4-1)
2 - Chief of the Beach (6-1)

Passmaster Hanover makes second start off of layoff. Should find this field to his liking. River Shark was an early season sensation; has tailed off. Overnight victory at Chester may be indicating return to early season form. Lyons Horace disappointed in OnSS final at Mohawk; was good in Canadian Breeders Stakes; lands part. Chief of the Beach faltered in KYSS at Lexington; best of the rest.

11th Pace - Ontario Sire Stakes Gold Final - 2yo colts
3 - Wellthereyougo (5-2)
5 - Stonebridge Tonic (10-1)
8 - Royal Artist (15-1)
2 - Code Word (6-1)

Wellthereyougo is top pick, Battle of Waterloo winner is on three race win streak; Shadow Play's trainer picks up win here. Stonebridge Tonic looking for fourth straight second place finish; finished second to top choice in last start. Royal Artist is lightly raced making fourth start. Casie Coleman trainee eligible for upset. Code Word completes superfecta.

12th Pace - Confederation Cup XXXIII - Final

Top four finishes from 9th and 10th race along with one fifth place finisher return for this race. While it is unknown which horses return, ninth race is the strongest of the two eliminations. I would look for winner of ninth race to repeat here.