Handicapper's Corner: E. P. Taylor Stakes (G1)

Turf routers in E.P. Taylor Stakes spotlight

By Laurie Ross, ThoroCap

The E.P. Taylor Stakes (G1), named for a prominent racehorse owner, generally attracts a competitive group of fillies and mares.

The 1 1/4-mile event is contested over Woodbine’s lush turf course. Last year’s winner was Canada’s three-time Champion Grass Mare and last year’s Sovereign Award Horse of the Year  Starship Jubilee.

Seven fillies and mares line up for this year’s E. P. Taylor Stakes (G1).

 

What’s a Grade 1 turf race without a Chad Brown trainee?  #3 ETOILE (FR) (9-5) chased Theodora B. throughout the Dance Smartly (G2) but just couldn’t get by. Will we see déjà vu all over again? This French Group Stakes winner is hoping to turn the tables this time around.

 

#4 THEODORA B. (2-1) clearly loves distance and the Woodbine turf. She led them on a merry chase in the Dance Smartly (G2) and scampered under the wire 3/4-length in front. She’s lost only once this year, in an ill-advised experiment over the Polytrack.

 

#1 RIDEFORTHECAUSE (4-1) is a horse for course, with four wins from five starts over the Woodbine lawn. She surprised the Canadian Stakes (G2) field with a decisive 4-length victory at 23-1 and is carrying a two-race win streak into the E.P. Taylor. The drawback is – her Brisnet speed figures have improved in each start, and she ran a lifetime best figure last out. Will she jump up with another massive effort or regress?

 

#6 SECRET MESSAGE (6-1) shied at the start of last year’s E. P. Taylor Stakes and chased the field the entire way. This 5-year-old is off form. She won the Mint Julep Stakes (G3) in May but hasn’t come close to the winner’s circle since. Shorter distances between a mile to 1 1/16-miles suit her better.

 

#2 PRETTY POINT (8-1) hopes a change in scenery, and the brisk Canadian air, with blow new life into her racing career. She’s 2 for 15 lifetime, those victories coming in a maiden and optional claimer. She tries hard and can get the distance, but class is the issue.  

 

#7 ELIZABETH WAY (IRE) (10-1) has hit the board in all three starts at 1 1/4-miles, and in two of three starts at Woodbine. So why is she 10-1 morning line? She does her best work setting or pressing the pace but doesn’t always get her preferred trip. She finished in third place behind Theodora B. and Etoile in the Dance Smartly (G2) after being blocked at the top of the stretch, which delayed her run. She could surprise with a good trip.

 

#5 COURT RETURN (20-1) has hit the board in 6 of 9 starts at Woodbine. Her form is hit or miss….mostly miss, although she did take third money in the Canadian Stakes (G2) behind Rideforthecause. Court Return won two starts back with Daisuke Fukumoto aboard, and he takes the reins again here. She’s not at the level of the top runners but could grab a lower exotic placing at a considerable price.

 

Analysis

THEODORA B. is lone speed. She may be pressed by ELIZABETH WAY, and ETOILE could be up close too. It’s obviously a jock’s race in a seven-horse field at this distance. If Justin Stein can lull them on the front end, he and  THEODORA B. will be tough to pass.

#4 THEODORA B. (2-1)

#3 ETOILE (9-5)

#1 RIDEFORTHECAUSE (4-1)

#7 ELIZABETH WAY (IRE) (10-1)