At the heart of Toronto, WOODBINE RACETRACK rose to full energy in the early hours on October 16th, with a seven-race card running from 3:00am to 5:54am. The stage was set under lights and soft skies, as connections and fans gathered to celebrate racing’s global reach. Today felt like more than just a card—it hinted at ambitions ahead, a few proven horses cementing their status, and others chasing breakthroughs.
Woodbine Race 1 (3:00am, 5½ F)
The program opened with energy as SHOOTIN’ AMY crossed first in 1:05.64, under a composed ride by DAVID MORAN. Trainer RICHARD G. HAYASHI had the mount in prime shape, breeder PAUL BUTTIGIEG saw returns on investment, and owner THE ESTATE OF PAUL M. BUTTIGIEG celebrated an early success. EXECUTIVE SUCCESS pushed until the wire, while MIGHT BEE TROUBLE stayed on gamely for third.
Woodbine Race 2 (3:29am, 7½ F)
The second contest tightened the card’s pulse when BOUND TO BE TRUE delivered a late surge to win in 1:29.56. JOSE LUIS CAMPOS judged the moment perfectly, NATHAN SQUIRES’s conditioning showed, breeder HARTWELL FARM INC. earned pride, and owner SUSAN W. LYONS took the rewards. CELEBRITY RO chased hard, and SPELLCHECK closed with purpose to fill the frame.
Woodbine Race 3 (3:58am, 7F)
In race three, SULTRY SOPHIE asserted class and composure to prevail in 1:25.45. AUSTIN ADAMS’s run was measured, ROBERT P. TILLER had prepared well, breeder DR. ROLPH A. DAVIS was vindicated, and owner ROLPH A. DAVIS enjoyed the pay-off. STRIKE A NOTE stayed in touch late, while FEDOROVA held on for third.
Woodbine Race 4 (4:27am, 7F)
Mid-card stakes gained heft in this one. HAY HAY PAULA crossed in 1:24.51 after a brave finish. With JEFFREY IAN ALDERSON’s timing, STEVEN CHIRCOP’s plan, breeder PAMELA EDEL’s pedigree proof, and owner PINNACLE RACING’S JOY, it made for a highlight in transition. LOOKS LUCKY TO ME pressed to the line, and DYNAMIC STRIKE stayed committed for the minor placing.
Woodbine Race 5 (4:56am, 7½ F)
If there was a standout, this might be it — Z TRAIN powered home in 1:30.82, putting distance between rivals in the final stages. RAFAEL MANUEL HERNANDEZ brought finesse in the run, KATERINA VASSILIEVA’s preparation was decisive, breeder MOUNTARMSTRONG STUD saw value, and owner TEC RACING (ELLIOTT S. LOGAN) drew deep satisfaction. KATHERINE’S CUB mounted a bold chase, while SILENT STRIKE closed strongly for third.
Woodbine Race 6 (5:25am, 1 1/16 M)
As the card advanced, PEACE POSEY showed stamina and poise to take this in 1:46.87. KEVEH NICHOLLS handled the pressure, TEDSTON HOLDER’s conditioning showed through, breeder CHARLES FIPKE was celebrated, and owners BLOOM, DAVID BENJAMIN and HOLDER, TEDSTON beamed. NICKI IS A BREEZE ran on hard in second, while BEAUTIFUL SKY locked in a solid third.
Woodbine Race 7 (5:54am, 1 1/16 M)
The finale brought the intensity home — SERENADING KITTEN surged to victory in 1:47.51, under a composed guiding hand of PIETRO MORAN, with DALE A. DESRUISSEAUX’s game plan coming to fruition. Breeder as well as owner JOEY GEE THOROUGHBREDS saw another success and ended the card with pride. BLAZE OF MISCHIEF stayed determined in second, and BEACH CRICKET rounded out the top three with grit.
Woodbine’s overnight spectacle reminded us how global racing bridges time zones, ambition, and passion. The calendar marches on — keep your eye on Woodbine’s upcoming feature days, where these winners and challengers will meet again under brighter afternoon skies.
