It was smiles, handshakes, and no shortage of anticipation at Woodbine this week as nominations rolled in for the Fall Turf Showcase. Trainers and owners spoke with the energy of people eyeing a big stage — and none more so than those circling the historic Canadian International. The Grade 1 race, steeped in history and pride, will return on October 4 as part of Woodbine’s two-day turf festival.
The Showcase, held October 4–5, will be staged on the Inner Turf Course, with the E.P. Taylor surface still under renovation. Across the weekend, more than $1.6 million in purses will be on offer, including the returning crown jewel of Canada’s international racing calendar.
Canadian International returns to Woodbine spotlight
The Canadian International (G1, 1 ½ miles, $750,000) is back after a one-year hiatus, and its nomination sheet reads like a roll call of global talent. Godolphin’s Nations Pride (IRE), winner of the last running in 2023, headlines the group of 13. The Charlie Appleby-trained star most recently finished third in Saratoga’s Grade 1 Sword Dancer and will bid to give his stable a third consecutive Canadian International triumph.
Adding strong local flavour is My Boy Prince, a Mark Casse trainee who finished second in the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile earlier this month. Casse, Woodbine’s perennial leader, has three horses nominated.
Nearctic Stakes set for blistering sprint clash
The Nearctic Stakes (G2, 5 furlongs, $250,000) always draws sprinting specialists, and this year’s 15 nominations live up to that billing. Among them is Nobals, the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner, already a familiar name at Woodbine after earlier all-weather victories.
International intrigue comes with Khaadem (IRE), a dual Group 1 winner for Charlie Hills, while Bring Theband Home, Governor Sam, and Its Time to Shine add further depth. Casse’s My Boy Prince also holds a dual nomination here.
Dance Smartly Stakes offers Pegasus incentive
For the fillies and mares, the Dance Smartly Stakes (G2, 1 1/16 miles, $200,000) promises added sparkle this year. Its winner will gain automatic entry into Gulfstream’s Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational in January.
Leading the way is 2024 King’s Plate heroine Caitlinhergrtness, dominant in the Ontario Matron earlier this month for trainer Kevin Attard. She will face a strong cast including George Weaver’s Grade 1 winner Sacred Wish, Roger Attfield’s Ready for Shirl, and Graham Motion’s deep team led by Del Mar winner Heredia.
Juveniles take centre stage on Sunday
The Showcase continues October 5 with two-year-olds in the spotlight. The Cup & Saucer Stakes ($250,000, 1 1/16 miles, Canadian-breds) features 14 nominees, among them La Culasse and Dixie Law, both fresh from the Grade 1 Natalma, and Casse’s duo Casson and Military Time.
Meanwhile, the Algonquin Stakes ($175,000, 5 furlongs) has drawn 18 rising stars. George Weaver and Wesley Ward dominate the list with five apiece, their nominees including debut winners Bacio and Should’ve.
A festival of turf racing
With the return of the Canadian International, the Nearctic’s global sprinters, and two-year-olds stepping into the spotlight, the Fall Turf Showcase offers a fitting autumn stage for champions and hopefuls alike. The two-day festival will not only bring Canada’s best to the fore but will also reaffirm Woodbine’s role on the international turf calendar.
Read the full Woodbine Fall Turf Showcase coverage on RaceBuzz.
