There’s a certain warmth in Larry Rivelli’s voice when he talks about Nobals — the kind that only comes from years of trust, shared battles, and a horse who simply never stops giving. As the Kennedy Road Stakes approaches this Saturday at Woodbine, that bond takes centre stage again, carrying with it equal parts pride and expectation.
For Rivelli, fresh off reaching the 2,000-win milestone, it’s not just another stakes engagement. It’s a reunion with a warrior who has taken him from Arlington to the Breeders’ Cup winner’s circle and back to Toronto, where Nobals is adored for his grit, speed, and remarkable adaptability.
A Champion Who Never Stops Showing Up
The 6-year-old son of Noble Mission arrives at the $175,000 Kennedy Road Stakes (G2) off a narrow defeat in the Nearctic (G2T), where a bumped start cost him just enough to miss by a neck. Even then, he came charging like a horse who refuses to be denied.
“It was another big effort from him,” Rivelli reflected. “He gives everything he’s got, every time.” And he means it — turf or synthetic, long travel or short turnaround, Nobals has proven he can handle the assignment.
His résumé speaks loudly: the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G2T), the Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G2T), and the Arlington-Washington Futurity — all punctuated by his electrifying 2022 Woodstock Stakes victory at Woodbine, where he blazed 6½ furlongs in a track-record 1:07.63.
“That one might have been better than the Breeders’ Cup,” Rivelli admitted. “He felt like he was going a thousand miles an hour.”
From $3,500 Yearling to Multi-Millionaire
Purchased for just $3,500 at the 2020 Fasig-Tipton Fall Yearling Sale, Nobals has since earned more than $1.84 million for Patricia’s Hope LLC. He has won 12 races, placed in seven more, and travelled like a seasoned campaigner unfazed by the constant movement between tracks and surfaces.
“He doesn’t sweat the small stuff,” Rivelli said. “He handles everything like a pro.”
On Saturday, he’ll have Rafael Hernandez — Woodbine’s leading rider — back in the saddle as they try to repeat last year’s success.
The Rivals Standing in His Way
A compact but quality field of five challengers will greet Nobals at the gate:
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Western Whirl – Fraser Aebly / Stuart Simon
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Reload’s Rascal – Ryan Munger / Peter Berringer
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Lucky Score – Eswan Flores / Mark Casse
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Awesome Bourbon – Pietro Moran / Abraham Katryan
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Society’s Thunder – Jose Campos / Dominic Polsinelli
Between graded winners, improving sprinters, and high-speed pace angles, the group ensures Nobals will need to be at his sharpest to defend his Kennedy Road crown.
Wagering and Race Details
Race 10 offers a full wagering menu, including Rolling Double, Exacta, 20-cent Trifecta and Superfecta, 20-cent Pick 3, and the $1 Swinger.
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