“Villy’s a hell of a player and he definitely deserved that shot,” Walton said. He was surprised to see Villeneuve left off the list of players announced on Tuesday. Walton listed Villeneuve, along with Landon McCallum, as two of his favourite linemates in terms of on-ice chemistry. He has totals of seven goals and 14 assists in 30 games this season, with 38 penalty minutes. Villeneuve has eight points over a five-game streak and the hard-working Ottawa native has 11 points in his last 10 outings. There are obstacles in his path but he’s surely a highly talented sort.Wolves forward Nathan Villeneuve, who was also listed as a B-rated prospect in October, was not named to the Top Prospects Game despite his strong play of late. Track Phantom (7-2): Flashed keen early speed in a Churchill Downs maiden win but will have to overcome the outside post while facing the likelihood of a quick pace. JOCKEY: Jareth Loveberry TRAINER: Brendan WalshĨ. He’s gotten better with each start and can make his presence felt with continued improvement. Snead (6-1): After a maiden win, he scored by 7 1/4 lengths in an optional-claiming race here at Fair Grounds.

JOCKEY: Florent Geroux TRAINER: Brad Coxħ. He earned a dazzling speed figure for his gate-to-wire victory, and anything close to that effort should be enough to land him in the winner’s circle. After a second in his debut, he romped by 10 ¼ lengths in a Churchill Downs maiden race. Nash (7-5): He definitely looked like Kentucky Derby material in his second start. Nash won by 10 ¼ lengths at Churchill Downs Nov. Should find the competition much more testing here. Footprint (20-1): Was second in a Churchill Downs allowance race last time, but that was in an off-the-turf race. JOCKEY: Reylu Gutierrez TRAINER: Rob Atrasĥ. His breeding indicates he should handle dirt and is worth a close look if the odds are right. Neat (12-1): Won his last two starts, but they were on turf. JOCKEY: Joel Rosario TRAINER: Steve AsmussenĤ. Was a game second in the Grade 3 Iroquois Stakes before that and should be a main threat if he can work out a smooth trip. Risk It (5-1) Comes off a troubled fourth in the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes. Has a nice turn of late speed and should be a factor in the final furlong.ģ. Catching Freedom (5-1): Won his debut nicely and then finished fourth in an optional-claiming race while posting a better speed figure.

JOCKEY: David Cohen TRAINER : Keith DesormeauxĢ.

Broke his maiden last time out at this track at the distance, but the speed rating was mediocre at best. Next Level (20-1): Was running in stakes as a maiden and finished third in the Grade 1 Runhappy Del Mar Futurity, only to end up seventh by 23 lengths in the Grade 1 American Pharoah Stakes.

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