Fire and Wine strengthened his credentials among Canada’s leading three-year-olds with a determined front-running victory in the Grade 3 Ontario Derby at Woodbine on Saturday, October 17, 2026. On the same card, British-bred Quadruple produced a powerful late rally to claim the Grade 3 Ontario Fashion Stakes, recording her first North American victory and first win on the synthetic surface.
Fire and Wine Controls the Ontario Derby
Fire and Wine continued his impressive progression with a wire-to-wire victory in the $175,000 Ontario Derby (Grade 3), winning by two and a half lengths over Military Time in the nine-furlong contest at Woodbine.
The Ontario-bred colt was making his first appearance since winning the Breeders’ Stakes by four lengths over 12 furlongs on turf, the final leg of the Canadian Triple Crown. Partnered again by Jalon Samuel, Fire and Wine broke sharply from gate three and quickly took command on the main track.
The opening quarter-mile was covered in :23.81, with Teleport (IRE), Final Score and Prince of Wales Stakes winner Military Time among the early challengers. Fire and Wine settled into a comfortable rhythm, maintaining a one-length advantage over Teleport through the half-mile in :47.83.
Samuel allowed the son of Lexitonian to travel comfortably before increasing the tempo around the turn. By the six-furlong mark, reached in 1:11.67, the leader had stretched his advantage to two lengths.
Military Time made the first significant move approaching the home straight, while Grade 3 Marine Stakes winner Brachetto advanced into contention. Fire and Wine, however, responded when challenged, maintaining his stride through the final furlong to secure victory in 1:50.80.
Military Time finished second, with Manitoba-bred Brachetto taking third. Trevally completed the first four.
Fire and Wine Adds a Graded Stakes Victory to His Record
The Ontario Derby success marked Fire and Wine’s first graded stakes victory and further strengthened his standing following an encouraging campaign.
At two, the colt won the nine-furlong Coronation Futurity after taking control from the front under Slade Jones. Samuel subsequently partnered him in the King’s Plate, where the colt finished third, before the pair placed fifth in the Prince of Wales Stakes at Fort Erie. The breakthrough performance in the Breeders’ Stakes followed, and the latest victory provided further evidence of his development over longer distances.
Bred in Ontario by James and Janeane Everatt, Arika Meeuse and Robert Marzilli, Fire and Wine is owned by Paul Ryder and is trained by Zeljko Krcmar. His career record now stands at four wins, no seconds and four thirds from 14 starts.
Krcmar indicated that the Grade 3 Valedictory Stakes, scheduled for December 5, could be the colt’s next assignment. The 12-furlong distance would provide another opportunity to demonstrate the stamina that has become an important part of his profile.
For Woodbine, the Ontario Derby result also highlighted the strength of the local three-year-old division as the season progresses towards its closing stages.
Quadruple Rallies to Win the Ontario Fashion Stakes
Quadruple (GB) produced an impressive late surge to win the $175,000 Ontario Fashion Stakes (Grade 3) at Woodbine, securing her first North American victory with a decisive two-and-three-quarter-length success over Ultimate Authority.
Ridden by Ryan Munger for the third consecutive start, the five-year-old mare overcame a slightly slow break from post five before settling into fifth position during the early stages of the six-furlong contest. Spinelli established the pace, with Creed’s Gold tracking in second and Tessellate occupying third. Quadruple saved ground behind the leading group as the field moved through the opening quarter-mile in :22.40.
Spinelli continued to lead along the rail, reaching the half-mile mark in :44.79. As the field entered the straight, Ultimate Authority and Creed’s Gold began their challenges, but the developing gaps created an opportunity for Quadruple.
Munger guided the mare through the opening between rivals, and she responded with a sustained finishing effort. Quadruple moved clear in the closing stages to stop the clock at 1:09.42.
Ultimate Authority finished second, while Austere made late progress to take third. Sea Runner completed the first four, and Creed’s Gold finished fifth.
Quadruple Shows Progress After Moving to North America
Bred in Great Britain by Juddmonte Farms Ltd, Quadruple began her racing career in Europe, recording three victories from 14 starts before joining trainer Josie Carroll’s stable.
The Ontario Fashion Stakes marked her sixth North American appearance, all of them at Woodbine. She finished third on her local debut in the Grade 3 Whimsical Stakes and later repeated that placing in the Grade 3 Seaway Stakes, with Munger aboard for the latter performance.
Her form continued to improve on her most recent start, when she finished second in the Sweet Briar Too Stakes over the E. P. Taylor Turf Course, finishing ahead of several rivals in the closing stages but unable to catch the winner.
The latest result represented another step forward, particularly as it was her first victory on the synthetic main track.
Owned by Mark Dodson, Quadruple improved her career record to four wins, four seconds and two thirds from 20 starts. Her Ontario Fashion Stakes victory also added a significant North American stakes success to her record after a period of consistent performances at Woodbine.
The mare’s progress has given her connections further reason for optimism as she continues to adapt to racing in Canada.
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