The midweek racing spotlight will return to Woodbine Racetrack this Thursday ,23rd October with a compelling seven-race card spanning turf and Tapeta, featuring competitive fields and seasoned local contenders. The action will unfold under cool autumn skies at 7°C, with the first race scheduled for 3:00 AM IST, promising a morning filled with pace, precision and punting intrigue as some familiar names from the Toronto circuit vie for supremacy.
Race 1: The Claiming | 1 Mile (Inner Turf) | Purse: $56,100 | 3:00 AM
The opening race of the day, a Claiming mile on the Inner Turf will set the tone for the session with seven mares and fillies looking to make an early impact. RETAIL THERAPIST (J: Xarel Forde / T: Sylvain Pion) will start as a strong favourite known for her sharp turn of foot in late stretch. Her stablemate FISH MOONEY (J: Fraser Aebly / T: Martin Drexler) adds depth to the line up alongside the improving DESTINY RO (J: Jalon L. Samuel / T: Randy O. Thompson) and the consistent TWISTING PISTONS (J: Ryan Munger / T: Sid C. Attard). Expect a close finish with tactical speed likely dictating the early fractions.
Race 2: The Claiming | 7 Furlongs (All Weather) | Purse: $28,600 | 3:29 AM
The second race on the Tapeta track will feature a wide-open twelve-horse field in a claiming sprint. ALA TURKA (J: Eswan Flores / T: Krista Cole) is set to attract strong attention with solid consistency at this level while LADY MOONSHINE (J: Pietro Moran / T: W. V. Armata) could mount a late charge. PICKFORD SWEET (J: Desean Bynoe / T: Michael Mattine) brings promising early speed and GREAT KATE (J: Keveh Nicholls / T: Norman McKnight) cannot be ignored for her class edge. With several contenders capable of front-running tactics, this one promises a lively dash to the line.
Race 3: The Maiden Claiming | 1 1/16 Miles (All Weather) | Purse: $32,500 | 3:58 AM
The third contest will feature twelve fillies and mares in search of their first victory in this Maiden Claiming route. PAT’S HOLIDAY (J: Jermaine V. Bridgmohan / T: Cleveland A. Gordon) stands out as a serious threat, while BLACK GODDESS (J: Jalon L. Samuel / T: Carlton Teape) will be eager to capitalize on her steady improvement. NASHYAN (J: Jose Luis Campos / T: Catherine Day Phillips) adds a touch of class from a top barn and CLOSING APPEAL (J: Slade Jones / T: Frank Huarte) might surprise if given a clear trip. Expect a stamina-driven contest with formful runners making their stretch move late.
Race 4: The Allowance Optional Claiming | 7½ Furlongs (Inner Turf) | Purse: $114,600 | 4:27 AM
This feature race of the evening will light up the Inner Turf with a talented nine-runner line up. SPEEDY FREEZE (J: Rafael Hernandez / T: Ronald H. Sadler) looks well-placed to continue her upward trajectory while the imported BESSIE ABOTT (IRE) (J: Fraser Aebly / T: Mark E. Casse) will command respect on pedigree and potential. TWO SIP SALLY (J: Eswan Flores / T: W. V. Armata) brings tactical experience and AN CHORR DUBH (IRE) (J: Austin Adams / T: Kevin Attard) could emerge late with a closing surge. A thrilling stretch duel is on the cards in this high-stakes turf showdown.
Race 5: The Maiden Optional Claiming | 6½ Furlongs (All Weather) | Purse: $49,200 | 4:56 AM IST
The fifth race will see seven emerging 3-year-olds take to the Tapeta in a maiden sprint brimming with promise. TOTAL SENSATION (J: Leo Salles / T: Pat Parente) will likely start favourite after a sharp recent effort while STIRLING CASTLE (J: Eswan Flores / T: William Tharrenos) poses the main threat with solid pace credentials. TANZANITE LILY (J: Fraser Aebly / T: Sid C. Attard) adds experience to the mix and SPIKEPHIL (J: Ryan Munger / T: Krista Cole) may make his presence felt if the pace suits. Expect this contest to reveal a few names for the future.
Race 6: The Claiming | 6 Furlongs (All Weather) | Purse: $28,600 | 5:25 AM
Speed will dominate the sixth race, a six-furlong claiming sprint featuring seven colts and geldings. GO JIMMY GO (J: Fraser Aebly / T: William Tharrenos) headlines the lineup with back-to-back strong runs while DOADSTER (J: Austin Adams / T: John Mattine) will be right on his tail with apprentice weight advantage. SOUPER ICONIC (J: Rafael Hernandez / T: Joe Russo) looks dangerous if he secures a clean break and COME ON BIG LOU (J: Jose Luis Campos / T: John A. Ross) could upset the favourites on his day. Expect a fast race where margins will be tight.
Race 7: The Claiming | 1 1/16 Miles (Inner Turf) | Purse: $52,400 | 5:54 AM
The nightcap, a Claiming contest on the Inner Turf will close the evening with nine fillies and mares competing for honours. DESIGN DIVA (J: Leo Salles / T: Martin Drexler) is expected to be the standout performer, entering with proven form over this trip. NIKITA’S GEM (J: Ryan Munger / T: Sid C. Attard) will be her main challenger with SPEAK UP (J: David Moran / T: Nicholas Nosowenko) bringing solid credentials and JUICY HANNA (J: Da-Sean Gaskin / T: Pat Parente) capable of springing a surprise. The finale should provide a fittingly competitive finish to Woodbine’s Thursday card.
Thursday’s action-packed line up at Woodbine Racetrack will promise seven gripping contests, from claiming duels to the featured Allowance turf race, offering a showcase of skill and strategy across divisions. With experienced trainers and emerging jockeys sharing the stage, the card is poised to deliver tight finishes and tactical intrigue through every furlong.
Next race is on 24th October, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.com for full coverage, previews and results from Woodbine’s live racing series.
