Affleck Rebounds; Shanghai Phil Scores

Trainer Blair Burgess knows what it takes to win big money races, and a secret weapon that could take him down that road this season is a pacing colt named Affleck

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The three-year-old, who was unraced as a rookie, celebrated a maiden-breaking win at Georgian Downs on Tuesday evening thanks to his narrow score in 1:54. Scott Coulter worked out the winning trip for the lightly-raced performer, who is listed at 110-1 inTrot Magazine's Pepsi North America Cup Spring Book.

Affleck, who was a $12,000 purchase from the 2008 Lexington Select Yearling Sale by Robert Burgess and Karin Olsson Burgess, turned in an eye-catching effort in his pari-mutuel debut at Woodbine Racetrack on March 15 when he stormed home in :27 seconds to finish a fast-closing third. One week later, however, he regressed and finished a mediocre fourth.

Tuesday’s 1:54 triumph was a step in the right direction for the hulking son of Real Desire-Actress, who could be a dark horse to keep your eyes on leading up to Canada’s richest race for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings.

In other Tuesday action at Georgian Downs, Shanghai Phil made the second start of his comeback a winning one for the tandem of driver Sylvain Filion and trainer Dustin Jones. The eight-year-old son of Blissfull Hall-Matter Of Style stopped the clock in 1:53.2 – his first victory since capturing a Breeders Crown elimination on October 16, 2004 during his rookie campaign.

Sent off as the 1/5 favourite in Tuesday’s $10,000 assignment, Shanghai Phil carved out panels of :27.4, :55.4 and 1:24.4 before finishing off his foes with a :28.3 final frame.

Hudson Standardbred Stb Inc of Hudson and Dustin Jones Stables Inc of Melbourne, QC share ownership on the seven-time winner, who has banked $575,122 to date.

To view Tuesday’s results, click here.

Comments

We have a Shanghai Phil 3 year old filly that has been slow to develop, and it is so nice to see Phil back to race! I thank his owners for bringing him back to the track and not just letting him disappear along with the racing industry in Quebec! It inspires me to continue working with this filly and respect Phil's toughness. I wish you continued success!

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