Casse Aims for Historic Seagram Cup Victory at Woodbine
Trainer Mark Casse is aiming for a historic fifth win in the Grade 3 Seagram Cup at Woodbine, a 1 1/16-mile dirt race for three-year-olds and older. He will send out two talented contenders, Paramount Prince and Lucky Guest, both with strong prospects in the upcoming event. Paramount Prince, a proven champion and the 2023 King’s Plate winner, is back to defend his 2024 Seagram Cup title. Meanwhile, Lucky Guest, a promising four-year-old, is making his graded-stakes debut in impressive form, having won his last two races.
Casse’s record in the Seagram Cup is already impressive, with four victories under his belt. A fifth win would not only be a personal milestone but also a testament to his consistent success at Woodbine. The race promises to be an exciting contest, with both horses bringing unique strengths to the track. Paramount Prince’s experience and previous success at this level make him a formidable opponent, while Lucky Guest’s recent surge in performance suggests he is ready to challenge the best.
Paramount Prince's Quest for a Repeat Victory
Paramount Prince, a distinguished multiple graded-stakes champion and the illustrious winner of the 2023 King's Plate, is gearing up to compete in the Seagram Cup, an event he triumphantly claimed in 2024. This remarkable six-year-old thoroughbred, known for his relentless effort and competitive spirit, is now seeking his ninth career victory. His recent performance in the Dominion Day Stakes, where he finished a narrow second, underscores his continued prowess and determination on the track. Under the guidance of trainer Mark Casse, Paramount Prince is expected to deliver another robust performance, embodying the consistent high standards his connections have come to anticipate from him.
The seasoned gelding, owned by Gary Barber and Mike Langlois, boasts an impressive career record, including his initial graded-stakes win in the 2024 Dominion Day Stakes before securing the Seagram Cup. A progeny of Society’s Chairman, Paramount Prince has amassed over a million dollars in earnings, reflecting his consistent success across various races. His distinctive front-running style, characterized by an all-out effort from start to finish, has often proven challenging for his competitors. While this strategy occasionally presents risks, it is predominantly a testament to his bold and unwavering approach to racing, making him a compelling presence every time he steps onto the track.
Lucky Guest's Graded Stakes Debut
Lucky Guest, a four-year-old gelding, is poised to make his eagerly anticipated debut in the graded-stakes arena. This talented horse, trained by Mark Casse, has been supplemented into the Seagram Cup after demonstrating exceptional form in his recent outings. Despite a career marked by intermittent racing due to past injuries, Lucky Guest is entering this prestigious race on the back of a commanding two-race winning streak. His recent victories, including a dominant performance in a 1 1/16-mile optional claimer and a sharp win in an allowance optional claimer, highlight his readiness to contend at a higher level and showcase his inherent capabilities.
Owned by G.G. Racing Stables and bred in Ontario by Tara Horse Farm Inc., Lucky Guest's journey to the Seagram Cup has been one of perseverance and promise. Casse has consistently expressed high regard for the horse's potential, noting his significant talent and physical strength. The trainer believes that with a consistent run of races, Lucky Guest could truly unleash his full capabilities and achieve remarkable success. His return to form, culminating in back-to-back wins, signals a pivotal moment in his career, as he steps onto a grander stage to prove that the "sky is the limit" for his burgeoning talent.