The far end of the gate for Saturday's Governors Cup elimination at Woodbine Racetrack has garnered all the early attention. One colt right in that mix is Foreclosure N, and according to trainer Mark Steacy, it could prove to
be another coming out party for the youngster.
The freshman Rocknroll Hanover colt has drawn Post 7 in the 10-horse elim, carded as Race 5. He will be surrounded by Ohmygosh Hanover (PP6, M. MacDonald, 6-1), Shadyshark Hanover (PP8, J. Jamieson, 5-2) and Fashion Delight (PP9, D. Miller, 3-1).
Foreclosure N (PP7, S. Filion, 4-1) has gone behind the starting gate nine times this season and has compiled a slate which reads five wins, one second-place finish and one third. His purse earnings currently sit at $177,187 for Peter Heffering of Port Perry, Ont., and he lowered his career mark to 1:52.1 when he won his Breeders Crown elimination in 1:52.1 over Pocono Downs on October 1.
After his win in his 'Crown' elim, the brown colt raced tough in the $600,000 final a week later. After having gone first up, Foreclosure N succumbed to his trip somewhat and finished fourth, yet still paced in a solid 1:51.3.
"He's better now than what he was in the Breeders Crown," Steacy told Trot Insider. "He was a touch sick (in the Breeders Crown), but raced through it and made a good showing of himself, which is what I believe a lot of the top horses do."
In regard to his start in Saturday's elim, Steacy said, "He's coming into it in great form."
What happens Saturday will be critical in Steacy figuring out what the next move is for the colt who Steacy says has a really quick brush of speed.
"There is a conflict between the final of the Governors Cup and the Matron (on November 6), so we're going to have to wait and see what happens."
When asked about Foreclosure N's chances for a run at some of the big stakes next year at three, Steacy was rather matter-of-fact about his chances.
"I can't see why not," he said. "He's raced a couple of big first-up races. If he winters well and nothing unforeseen happens, I can't see why not."
To view the entries for Woodbine Racetrack's Saturday night card, click here.