International Day Gives N. America a Chance to Defend Home Turf

The match-up is set ... It’s North America versus Europe Saturday at Woodbine. Three grade 1 turf races represent the last major chance to impress before the Breeders’ Cup.  The big day also offers another turf gauge between the respective talents of grass runners on both sides of the big pond.  The day’s biggest prize is the $2 million Canadian International over a mile and a half on Woodbine’s excellent turf course. Team Europe is represented with a four strong contingent, in Redwood, Chinchon, Joshua Tree, and Mores Wells. While the home side counters with Marsh Side, Al Khali, Fifty Proof, Simmard, and Memorial Maniac.   Redwood and Chinchon have already raided our side of the Atlantic successfully and deserve great respect, but there is one colt in the field who I feel is on the verge of something special.  His name is Al Khali, and if I am right, he is ready to make a lot of noise, not only Saturday, but also three weeks later in the Breeders' Cup Turf.  His Bowling Green performance was the tip-off, now let's see what the son of Medaglia D'oro can do with clear sailing. For the distaff turfers, the $1 million E.P. Taylor Stakes is a race dominated by the girls from across the pond. Shalanaya, Lahaleeb, Silver Grey, Reggane, Contredanse, Gallic Star, Pachattack, Akarlina form the formidable eight-prong cast of invaders. Only trainer Roger Attfield stands alone to defend the honor of North America with his pair of Mekong Melody and Miss Keller.  With 80% of the field belonging to the Europeans, I would have to be crazy to pick against them, right?  Crazy like a fox!  Miss Keller has quickly become one of my favorite turf horses.  I always knew the four-year-old daughter of Montjeu was a consistent performer on the lawn, but with her recent performances, I am ready to call her one of the top turf fillies out there.  Come Saturday, she will be a grade 1 winner. In the $500,000 Nearctic Stakes, North America has the advantage with nine of the twelve entries representing the home team. The locals have Fatal Bullet, Field Commission, Grand Adventure, Bridgetown, Bogue Chitto, Towzee, Signature Red, Sneaking Uponyou, and Woodbourne. The Euros counter with Amico Fritz, Serious Attitude, and Balthazaar's Gift.  My pick?  You guessed it, I am all over the home side once again.  This is the time of year when good three-year-olds can step up and defeat their elders.  That is exactly what I will be looking for in this grade 1 sprint, with the talented and lightly raced youngster Bridgetown getting the job done and proving he belongs with the top turf sprinters in the world as he runs down the speedy Fatal Bullet in the late stages. Call me a homer, but those are my picks, and I’m sticking with them.