There are performances that linger in the memory long after the crowd has gone home, and Borealis Trail’s triumph in Saturday’s Grade 3 Ontario Derby is one such moment. With the crisp autumn air swirling around the Woodbine main track, the bay colt, under the calm but decisive hand of Jose Campos, powered through the stretch in a display of determination and sheer athleticism that left spectators on their feet.
For much of the 1 1/8-mile feature, it looked like history might repeat itself for Mansetti, the early pace-setter and winner of The King’s Plate in August. Breaking sharply from the gate, Mansetti assumed command and maintained a brisk tempo through the opening panel in :24.90, immediately shadowed by Runaway Again, the Prince of Wales Stakes victor. Both three-year-olds had demonstrated the talent and stamina expected from Canadian Triple Crown contenders, but Borealis Trail, quietly settling at the back of the pack, seemed content to bide his time.
By the half-mile mark in :49.43, Mansetti was a half-length clear of Special Session and Runaway Again, while Borealis Trail remained patiently last, tracking the field with a rider’s patience that would soon pay dividends. For fans and punters, it was a classic suspense-building scenario—would the late-running colt have enough gas in the tank to challenge the front-runners who had already established a strong pace?
Through three-quarters of a mile in 1:13.92, Mansetti still held a two-length advantage, appearing poised to fend off any challengers. However, Borealis Trail was beginning to close the gap, guided strategically by Campos. The bay colt, homebred by Chiefswood Stables and trained by Rachel Halden, had already shown glimpses of brilliance in earlier outings, including a narrow second in the Breeders’ Stakes, but on Saturday, he looked unstoppable.
As the field straightened for home, Campos angled Borealis Trail off the rail, allowing him to unleash a powerful late surge. With each stride, the colt gained ground, slicing through the pack in a breathtaking display of speed and stamina. Less than two lengths behind at the top of the stretch, Borealis Trail hit his stride, and with 100 yards remaining, he overtook Mansetti, pulling clear to a decisive two-length victory. Wagstaff finished third, 2 ½ lengths behind the runner-up, while He’s Not Joking claimed fourth. The final time was a solid 1:50.88.
“I think he’s an excellent horse,” said Jose Campos after the race. “I tried to save ground early, and when I asked him to go, the horse just flew. It was an incredible feeling watching him stretch out and take the lead.” Trainer Rachel Halden shared the sentiment, adding, “It’s a little bit of redemption after the narrow defeat in the Breeders’ Stakes. He ran beautifully today and proved that he can handle the Woodbine main track just as well as turf. We’re thrilled with the effort and proud of what Borealis Trail has achieved.”
The Ontario Derby win marks Borealis Trail’s second career victory, complementing his earlier success alongside a second and a third from six starts. Originally unraced at two, he broke his maiden at one mile over the E.P. Taylor turf on August 3, 2025, showing early promise. His versatility across surfaces has now been fully demonstrated, as Halden reflected: “Many saw him as a turf horse, but his Tapeta and dirt form have always been solid. Today proves he’s adaptable, smart, and fast.”
Sent off as the 6-1 fifth choice in the wagering, Borealis Trail rewarded backers with a $14.90 return, underscoring the colt’s emerging reputation as a force in Canadian racing. The victory also highlights the careful planning of Chiefswood Stables, who bred and managed the colt’s early career with patience and insight.
Borealis Trail’s pedigree plays a key role in his versatility and late-running style. By Quality Road out of the Pulpit mare Aurora Lights, the colt combines stamina and acceleration—a balance that has served him well through this stakes campaign. His running style, often settling behind fast fractions before unleashing a strong late kick, has become a trademark that keeps both jockeys and spectators engaged.
Saturday’s Ontario Derby also showcased the depth of Canadian three-year-olds this season. Mansetti’s early speed was eye-catching, and Runaway Again and Wagstaff displayed resilience and tactical pace, making Borealis Trail’s late surge all the more impressive. The race reinforced Woodbine’s status as a premier venue for developing top-class Canadian thoroughbreds, providing both a challenging surface and a competitive field that brings out the best in horses and riders alike.
Beyond the numbers and times, Borealis Trail’s victory resonates on a human level. It’s the story of a colt that flirted with greatness, narrowly missing out in the Breeders’ Stakes, only to return with maturity, composure, and power to claim a significant stakes triumph. For trainer Rachel Halden, jockey Jose Campos, and the team at Chiefswood Stables, it’s a confirmation of skill, patience, and dedication—an emotional payoff that racing fans love to witness.
Looking ahead, Borealis Trail’s performance in the Ontario Derby positions him as a potential contender in future stakes races, with versatility across surfaces and a proven ability to handle both speed and pressure. The colt has not only earned a stakes victory but also the confidence of his connections and fans, who will eagerly watch his next moves.
Read full Ontario Derby coverage and more horse racing news on RaceBuzz.
