There’s something inherently stirring about watching young, untested horses step into the spotlight — eyes bright, energy raw, and futures unwritten. That sense of promise fills the air at Woodbine this Sunday, where the Grade 3 Grey Stakes and Grade 3 Mazarine Stakes Presented by Ketel One will test the mettle of emerging two-year-old stars like Gone With Duwyn and Katie’s Grace.
Gone With Duwyn back on familiar footing
Trainer Barb Minshall knows what it takes to shape a good one, and her latest charge, Gone With Duwyn, brings a story of raw talent and lessons learned. After a challenging run on the turf last month, the Hoolie Racing Stable homebred returns to Woodbine’s main track for the $150,000 Grey, a 1 1/16-mile contest for juveniles.
“He shook away from the horse chasing him, but that took a lot out of him,” Minshall reflected. “He’s training well now — hopefully he’ll settle better this time.”
The Ontario-bred son of Silent Name (JPN) broke his maiden in commanding fashion on September 7, romping home by nearly seven lengths on the Woodbine main track. Minshall, who captured last year’s Grey with Two Ghosts, believes her gelding can stay the trip — so long as he doesn’t overdo it early.
“He’s got the heart and the stride,” she said. “He just needs to relax. He’s still learning what it’s all about.”
Jockey Keveh Nicholls takes the reins on the 1-1-0 performer from four starts, while Minshall faces a stiff challenge from Miguel Clement, who sends out the impressive debut winners Madagascar and The Big Con (GB). Both arrive at Woodbine after convincing Presque Isle Downs victories — Madagascar grinding out a gritty score, The Big Con flashing dominance with an 8½-length romp.
Katie’s Grace steps up for the Mazarine
If Gone With Duwyn represents seasoned promise, Katie’s Grace embodies youthful brilliance. The filly caught eyes on debut with her composure and late surge to victory, and now trainer Catherine Day Phillips readies her for the Grade 3 Mazarine Stakes, a 1 1/16-mile test for two-year-old fillies.
“She’s feminine, fast, spicy — all the good things you want in a young filly,” said Day Phillips, who conditions the Independence Hall daughter for Chivalry Thoroughbred Racing LLC and Hubert Vester. “We’ve always liked her. Everything she’s done has come easily.”
Katie’s Grace showed resilience in her September 27 debut, recovering from a veering start to rally home in 1:25.13. Since then, she’s been thriving in training, including a sharp :47.80 breeze on October 18 and a strong five-furlong move on October 25 under Ryan Munger, who retains the ride.
“She’s very ratable, which is a great quality when you’re stretching out,” Day Phillips added. “I think she’ll be even stronger as a three-year-old, but she’s showing all the right signs now.”
The $80,000 OBS Spring Sale graduate will face a competitive Mazarine lineup, including Vanity, Bold Time, and Dyna, each with potential to progress as the distances grow.
Field overview
Grade 3 Grey Stakes – Race 7 (1 1/16 miles)
1 – The Big Con (GB) – Sahin Civaci – Miguel Clement
2 – Madagascar – Ryan Munger – Miguel Clement
3 – Gone With Duwyn – Keveh Nicholls – Barb Minshall
4 – Wembley Avenue – Jalon Samuel – Sid Attard
5 – Buium – Pietro Moran – Kevin Attard
6 – Silent Tactic – Fraser Aebly – Mark Casse
7 – Big Time Boss – Rafael Hernandez – Josie Carroll
Grade 3 Mazarine Stakes – Race 6 (1 1/16 miles)
1 – Backstreet Emma – Emma-Jayne Wilson – Mike De Paulo
2 – Vanity (S) – Jose Campos – Mark Casse
3 – Katie’s Grace – Ryan Munger – Catherine Day Phillips
4 – Dixie Law – Rafael Hernandez – Dale Desruisseaux
5 – Bold Time – Fraser Aebly – Josie Carroll
6 – Dyna – Pietro Moran – Kevin Attard
Stakes day at Woodbine
Sunday’s Woodbine card begins at 1:05 p.m., featuring full wagering options. Expect thrilling juvenile performances that could shape the early narrative of next season’s Canadian classics.
As these two-year-olds make their way toward maturity, fans will watch closely to see whether Gone With Duwyn’s experience or Katie’s Grace’s brilliance shines brightest in their respective Grade 3 challenges.
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