Derby Trail Forums - In celebration of the gentlemen

Some are self-defined cappers and some are "pretty horsie people", some love nothing more than to follow the 2YO's and pick next years Derby winner.

Me? I love the old guys the best. Nothing quite like it when they win.

So in celebration of the gentlemen, I always stop to read when I hear an unfamiliar name..... warriors all, they define racing.

From DRF... :)

Woodbine
Right level for old-timer
By RON GIERKINK
ETOBICOKE, Ontario - The durable 10-year-old Frank's Selection won his first race in three years when he beat $62,500 optional claiming opposition Aug. 18. He will try to double up at the same level in Wednesday's Woodbine feature at seven furlongs on the grass.

Frank's Selection, based at Fort Erie with trainer Robert Griem, has posted many fine efforts over the years on Woodbine's turf course. He ran the race of his life two years ago in the seven-furlong Play the King Stakes, finishing a heart-breaking second to the 2004 Canadian Horse of the Year, Soaring Free, after having serious traffic problems.

Frank's Selection had another troubled trip in last year's Grade 2 Play the King, in which he wound up third behind Vanderlin and Le Cinquieme Essai.

Frank's Selection was a well-beaten seventh in his first start of the season in a dirt allowance at Fort Erie. Two starts ago here in an allowance sprint on the grass, he finished a deceptively good fifth, despite lacking some room in the stretch. He put it all together most recently, when competing for a $62,500 claiming tag, scoring by two lengths with clear sailing on the outside under jockey Jack Lauzon.

Griem said he sought out slightly easier competition for Frank's Selection this year.

"Over the last few years, I've run him in some pretty tough races, and I thought we'd make it a little easier on him," Griem explained. "I wanted to get his confidence back up again. He's in pretty good order right now."

Griem said he would probably keep Frank's Selection in the race if it was moved to the Polytrack following rain that was forecast for Tuesday night and Wednesday.