There’s a buzz of anticipation at Woodbine this Sunday as a pair of $125,000 stakes, the Display and Glorious Song, promise thrilling action and potential breakout performances from the 2-year-old ranks. For young fillies like Piper’s Gift, the Glorious Song represents more than a race—it’s a chance to announce herself on a stakes stage.
Trained by Dale Desruisseaux for Chiefswood Stables, Piper’s Gift arrives off a scintillating maiden win on September 20 over six furlongs. Sent off at 5-2 in a competitive field of eight, she tracked the pace before swinging three wide near the quarter pole and sprinting clear to win by eight lengths in 1:10.95. Desruisseaux highlighted both her talent and her growing maturity.
“She ran huge,” said Desruisseaux. “Her debut was very strong, and after a minor setback in the Catch a Glimpse Stakes, we made some adjustments—Lasix for the next start—and she responded brilliantly. Watching her gallop out after the race, there was clearly more left in the tank.”
The bay filly breezed four furlongs in :47.00 on October 4, fastest among 82 works at the distance, leaving her trainer even more confident. “Visually, she looked like she was barely moving, but the clock said otherwise. It was probably her best breeze all year,” Desruisseaux added. Groom Kyle MacDonald has been key in keeping Piper’s Gift relaxed and ready.
The Glorious Song Stakes honors a legendary mare of the same name, who became Canada’s first millionaire in 1981 and won 17 races—including 13 stakes—during her career. Piper’s Gift will carry on that legacy as she faces seven rivals over seven furlongs on the main track. Rafael Hernandez will guide the filly from post one, with other notable contenders including Sweet Fusion (Mark Casse) and Dunmore Beach (Josie Carroll).
Meanwhile, the Display Stakes draws seven promising 2-year-olds. Kevin Attard’s first-time starter Baaeed Alynna, a son of Good Magic, will aim to impress, while Mark Casse’s Jupiter and Timeframe bring experience to the seven-furlong main track contest. Last-out winners Navy Street, Streetshavenoname, Speights Will, and Lennox the Grey complete a competitive field.
First post is 1:05 p.m., including Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, Pick 3, and Pick 4, giving everyone a chance to get involved in Woodbine’s showcase for emerging stars.
Piper’s Gift leads a strong field of 2-year-old fillies in Sunday’s Glorious Song Stakes at Woodbine, while the Display Stakes showcases seven promising juveniles over seven furlongs. Stakes racing at Woodbine offers fans thrilling competition and emerging talent.
Read the full preview and analysis of Woodbine’s Glorious Song and Display Stakes on RaceBuzz.
