Fort Erie Race Track, May 27 @ 6:55 PM ET

Race of the Day, May 27

Fort Erie Race Track, Fort Erie, Ontario, Race 7, 6:55 P.M. ET

6 ½ Furlongs, Optional Claiming First Level Allowance. Fillies & Mares, Purse:  $18.6K

Despite its uncertain long-term future, Fort Erie opens today for its 117th season of racing.  The meet – running on Sunday and Tuesday late afternoons—is highlighted by the Prince of Wales Stakes, the second jewel of Canada’s Triple Crown on July 29.

Tonight’s featured race is an allowance for fillies and mares for the largest purse on the card.  At 6 1/2 furlongs, it is tied for the longest distance run this night, and has the classiest horses on the card.  Mountain Echo (#3, 3-2) loves Fort Erie, having gone at stellar 9 for 13, including an overnight stakes win here last August.   She’s 4 for 9 at the distance.  The main concern is the effort last out at Laurel back in February.  That race, however, was against much better horses and can be thrown out.

Seeyouinthetown (#4, 6/5) ships from Woodbine to make her Fort Erie debut while dropping in class.  She has the advantage of having run more recently than Mountain Echo, but that’s about it.  I’d be surprised if she was the favorite.  Silver Shasa (#7,6-1) figures on speed, but is coming off a long layoff.  The work tab is nice, and she figures to be the main threat to Mountain Echo.  Evangeline’s Hope (#6, 9/2) is 1 for 22 and eligible for non-winners of 2.  She’d have to love the switch to dirt to figure. Bears Lady (#5, 20/1), has some tactical speed, but is outclassed here.

Questions:

  1. Can we throw out that last effort for Mountain Echo?  Or is it a sign that this 8-year old mare is in decline?
  2. Will Evangeline’s Hope love the switch to dirt?  Her trainer does well at this move.
  3. Will Silver Shasa be sharp off the layoff?  If she runs like she’s been working, she’s a threat to win, and a good bet for second.

Analysis:

Mountain Echo has a speed advantage and simply loves this track.  I’m willing to throw out that last one at Laurel, especially now that she’s back at Fort Erie.  It’s her race to lose, with Silver Shasa rating a solid outside shot.