The Canadian Thoroughbred Residency Presents

The CTR’s 2021 Play The King

6.5 Furlongs, Dirt, Post Time: 12:50pm June 26th 2021

1 – Acceptable Echo – knobhill stables – Jockey: C. Sutherland Odds: 19-1

In 3 lifetime races, Acceptable Echo is 1-2-0 and has come close on the dirt before, but against just other fillies. This will be her 1st big test against an open field of 2 year old colts and fillies. “We are gonna let her run her race and open it up when we get an opening”, jockey Chantal Sutherland told the media at press day.

2 – Bingo Hall – avengers stables – Jockey: M. Romberg Odds: 125/1

Bingo Hall, daughter of Canadian dam Big Time A, has struggled out of the gate of her career. With a career high of 50 SP, Bingo Hall is the longest shot in the field. “You can’t get better without experience, that’s the goal with our girl and hopefully maybe turn some heads”, trainer Auston Marner stated at the final prep workout for Bingo Hall.

3 – Take Me To Ottawa – oldmoonfarms19 stables – Jockey: B. Renfroe Odds: 6/1

With a blazing top SP of 69, Take Me To Ottawa broke his maiden in his only race so far in his career. With the win on the turf, just how will that translate over to the dirt? Early favorite when the entries opened but has dropped ever so slightly. When asked where do they think the gelding will finish on race day, track insiders all say the same thing, “IN THE MONEY”

4 – Woodychucker – wando stables – Jockey: K. Edwards Odds: 10/1

The son of Iliad, Woodychucker, is off to a quick start to his career. In 5 career starts, Woodchucker is 1-3-1, with a top SP of 75 in his last race which he broke maiden. Jockey Kyle Edwards will wear special rainbow silks, representing Pride Toronto 2021’s partnership with the Canadian Thoroughbred Residency.

5 – Gambling Mecca – canadianstar stables – Jockey: J. Hladum Odds: 7/1

With a career SP high of 70 and 3 wins in 4 lifetime races, Gambling Mecca certainly has shown that he belongs in this race. “He has what it takes to compete with the big boys and girls”, Racing analyst Ed Olczyk expressed this week. “He is in great form this week”.

6 – Covid Connection – oldmoonfarms19 stables – Jockey: K. Cogswell Odds: 37/1

Stretching out for the first time at 6.5 furlongs, Covid Connection is being considered an afterthought in this one. The grandson of Bernardini, Covid Connection has the pedigree to succeed but just not in this field of 16. Experience will be key for future development.

7 – Santa Got Back – fastncanuck stables – Jockey: J. Ingram Odds: 18/1

Making their debut in this race, not much is known about the grandson of A.P. INDY. Track insiders are reporting that even with no race experience, Santa Got Back is getting decent respect from the betting community

8 – Danish Pride – stuger148 stables – Jockey: T. Ceciliani Odds: 23/1

Breaking her maiden in her first race, this filly has shown the growing pains of a 2 year old racer. With a record of 1-1-1 in 5 career starts, Danish Pride is starting to show more consistency each race and could very well have a good run here. Not a sure bet but a definite long shot that could surprise the field.

9 – Ontario Mists – ontracingl stables – Jockey: Rodney Edwards Odds: 44/1

Making his dirt debut, Ontario Mists looks good and could very well have a serious run. But the real story for this stable is Jockey Edwards, who will be the only 2 sport athlete in this one. Flying in Friday from Euro 2020 where he played for the Wales National Football(Soccer) team, racing in the Play The King Saturday before flying out if Wales passes the round of 16 without him.

10 – Sili Frac – grid1a stables – Jockey: L. Marlin Odds: 4/1

The eagerly anticipated debut of Sili Frac has finally come in this field of Sweet 16 2 year olds. The daughter of Frac Daddy, grand-daughter of Bernardini has been phenomenal in her workouts and looks to be in top form. The world will be watching!!!

11 – True Awesome – twaits008 stables – Jockey: K. Ebner Odds: 14/1

With 2 career starts, including a win and 2nd place, True Awesome comes back on the dirt for this 6.5 furlong race. Finishing 2nd last race on the Turf, the stable is hoping for another top performance this time on the dirt.

12 – Pool Parties – canadianstar0 stables – Jockey: S. Lawrie Odds: 6/1

A turf specialist in her early career, Pool Parties debuts on the dirt in this race. With 6/1 odds, the oddsmakers are giving major props due to her dominance on the turf. “She’s quick on the turf, let’s see if it translates to the dirt track”, Canadian Racing Legend Sandy Hawley said to the media this week.

13 – Ontario Knight – ontracinga stables – Jockey: R. Waples Odds: 25/1

Like in the Batman trilogy, the dark knight rises except the Ontario Knight doesn’t look to be capable of rising in this field. Raised and trained on the grass, this is another dirt debut in this one. When asked what is the strategy on this race, Waples replied with “Bill Daly and see what happens from there”

14 – Shania’s Twain – awesomefarms stables – Jockey: B. McMurray Odds: 51/1

The 2nd longest shot on the board, Shania’s Twain puts her undefeated streak on the line with a move to the dirt. In her debut on June 6th, she shocked the field with a wire to wire finish to qualify for the Play The King race. Awesomefarms is hoping lightning strikes twice with this filly against some of the CTR’s top 2 year olds.

15 – Kurai Shosan – mohawkpark stables – Jockey: R. Heenan Odds: 7/1

The undefeated son of Frac Daddy, Kurai Shosan makes his dirt debut. With an average SP of 68, Kurai can keep up in this race and could have an outside shot of an upset.

16 –Reloadovar – canbred stables – Jockey: R. Wisniewski Odds: 6/1

Another debut racer as the daughter of Hyscovar and Reload will challenge the field and with major respect from the oddsmakers from her pedigree. Head Trainer of canbred stables says that she’s been trying on nothing but dirt and looks exceptionally good this week.

Well Folks, that’s the field for the Play The King…….see you Saturday at the track!!!