Just Follow Me and jockey Sahin Civaci winning Race 5 on June 8, 2024, at Woodbine (Michael Burns)
Chris Lomon, Woodbine
TORONTO, Ont. – A pair of Ontario-sired 3-year-old turf stakes, the $100,000 Thunder Bay, and $100,000 Lake Superior, share the spotlight on Sunday at Woodbine.
Established in 2021, the Ontario Sired Heritage Series is comprised of three $100,000 legs and a $100,000 final for two divisions: 3-year-old colts & geldings, and 3-year-old fillies. The total purse structure for the series is $800,000.
All three legs and the final are contested over different distances and surfaces: the Woodbine Inner Turf Course, the Woodbine E.P. Taylor turf, the Woodbine all-weather track, and Fort Erie dirt track.
In addition to the $400,000 in purses for each division, there is $70,000 in bonus money allocated to the top point earners in each division at the end of the series.
Seven fillies, including Just Follow Me, will take to the E.P. Taylor turf for the six-furlong Thunder Bay.
Trained by Bill Tharrenos for owner Michael Coll, the daughter of Old Forester has compiled a record of 2-1-0 from five starts.
She comes into Sunday’s test off a troubled fourth in the $100,000 Georgian Bay Stakes, contested at five furlongs over the Woodbine inner turf.
After a light bump with a rival at the start, Just Follow Me saved ground behind the leaders but lacked room along the rail at the sixteenth pole and finished fourth.
“We were waiting for room that unfortunately never did come,” said Tharrenos. “If you watch her gallop out, it was strong. She came out of the race great and now, here we are.
“I am excited about this race. The only question is if the horse will take to the E.P. Taylor because it is a different turf than what you find on the inner one. But she is so athletic and so determined.”
Bred by John Carey, the filly won her debut last November at Woodbine, a 3 ¼-length score at five panels on the all-weather track.
She closed out her rookie season with a second and opened her 3-year-old campaign with a fourth.
On June 8, Just Follow Me made her second trip to the winner’s circle courtesy of a 4 ¾-length triumph at 5 ½ furlongs over the all-weather surface.
“She is just such a nice horse in so many ways. She has that athleticism, she is kind to be around, and she goes out and gives it her all every race. There is nothing to be nervous about when it comes to her.”
Tharrenos, who is on pace to have the best season of his career, is expecting a big effort from his sophomore filly.
“Nothing bothers her. She is going into the race doing very well. Hopefully, she likes the E.P. Taylor. We are looking for big things.”
Emma-Jayne Wilson will be in the irons on Sunday.
“She is a strong finisher – as good as anybody – and I think she will suit Just Follow Me nicely,” said Tharrenos.
Sherri Wickett is the groom.
“I believe Just Follow Me has matured even more from last year, which makes her a pleasure to be around,” said Wickett, of the $23,677 (U.S.) purchase at the 2022 CTHS Canadian-Bred Yearling Sale. “I’m happy to see Mike [owner, Coll] have such a nice filly.”
First post time is 1:05 p.m. Fans can watch and wager on all the action through HPIbet.com and the Dark Horse Bets app.
Field for the Thunder Bay (Race 5)
