The excitement at Woodbine Thoroughbred will reach a new high this Friday, 17th October as eight races promise a captivating blend of speed, stamina and strategy. From dirt sprints to inner turf tactical battles, the day’s program is set to showcase emerging stars and seasoned performers alike. Fans can anticipate an immersive experience with paddock previews, expert commentary and thrilling finishes across the all-weather track and inner turf.
Race 1: The Maiden Claiming Fillies & Mares | 7 1/2F Dirt | $52,400 | 2:00AM
Eight fillies and mares will kick off the card over the mile-and-a-sixteenth dirt. POETIC AMY, ENGLISH JUBILEE, GATHER and MAGICAL TRICK headline the field with jockeys Skye Chernetz, Rafael Manuel Hernandez, Xarel Forde and Pietro Moran set to guide their mounts. The contest promises a tactical opening race where early positioning and finishing burst will define the victor.
Race 2: The Claiming | 6F All-Weather | $29,400 | 2:29 AM
Ten geldings will vie over six furlongs featuring MILITARY FORCE, LEGAL ATTACK (GB), CADFAEL and EXECUTIVE SEARCH as key contenders. With jockeys Eswan Flores, Fraser Aebly, Pietro Moran, and Juan Crawford aboard, pace judgment and efficient trip management will be crucial as the field fights for supremacy on the all-weather surface.
Race 3: The Claiming | 1 1/16M All-Weather | $28,600 | 2:58 AM
This mile-and-a-sixteenth event features eleven runners with COLONEL MUSTARD, CAN’T JUMP, THE NEW MAYBE and SPARKLET drawing attention. Jason Hoyte, Fraser Aebly, Daisuke Fukumoto, and Xarel Forde will navigate a tactical contest where positioning through the final turn and timing the stretch drive could decide the outcome.
Race 4: The Claiming | 7 ½ F Inner Turf | $52,400 | 3:27 AM
Nine seasoned geldings tackle the inner turf over seven and a half furlongs. GOOD KING SAM, WAR IN CHARGE, AGILE DANCER and SOONER LUNAR are expected to set the tone. With jockeys Pietro Moran, Jalon Samuel, David Moran and Fraser Aebly aboard, the race will reward adaptable horses capable of responding to a shifting pace and negotiating the turf turns.
Race 5: The Maiden Optional Claiming | 1 1/16M All-Weather | $49,200 | 3:56 AM
Seven three and four year old fillies will contest this mile-and-a-sixteenth. BELLA CLASSICA, AINT NO GIRLY GIRL, LADY ON THE NILE and VICTORY’S GHOST are the ones to watch. Jockeys Fraser Aebly, Ryan Munger, Leo Salles and Pietro Moran will need to guide their mounts with patience and tactical awareness to secure the maiden win.
Race 6: The Maiden Claiming | 1 1/16M All-Weather | $36,100 | 4:26 AM
Seven three-year-old and four-year-old geldings will battle for early glory. HIGHLY POTENT, WAHEELA, RUNAWAY MAXI and GLORIOUS REVENGE stand out with Pietro Moran, Fraser Aebly, Da-Sean Zavier Gaskin and Xarel Forde aboard. Settling the pace early while timing the final drive will be key in this mile-and-a-sixteenth contest.
Race 7: The Allowance Optional Claiming | 5F Inner Turf | $117,600 | 4:56 AM
Six horses tackle a five-furlong dash on the inner turf. LIGHT THE LAMP, CLASSY WAR, SILENT RESERVE and READY TO COLLECT will be closely observed as jockeys Pietro Moran, Ryan Munger, Rafael Manuel Hernandez and Jason Hoyte guide their mounts. This sprint promises a test of acceleration and timing, with every stride critical in the final yards.
Race 8: The Claiming | 6F All-Weather | $28,600 | 5:25 AM
Nine fillies and mares close out the day over six furlongs. ZIPFIRE, NOT SO SWIFT, CHEAT THE DEVIL and GET OUT THE VOTE are highlighted as main contenders, with Pietro Moran, Keveh Nicholls, Fraser Aebly, and Xarel Forde taking the reins. Quick starts, optimal positioning and a strong drive through the lane will be decisive as Woodbine concludes this full day of racing.
Friday’s program promises a vivid showcase of speed, tactical depth and endurance highlighting both promising newcomers and accomplished competitors. Fans can expect stretch duels, pace battles, and a day-long narrative unfolding across multiple surfaces, providing plenty of talking points and racing intrigue.
As attention turns to Saturday, 18th October, anticipation will mount with horses returning for follow-up contests and new stories ready to emerge. The action promises to escalate with every race, ensuring Woodbine remains a hub of excitement for trainers, jockeys and fans alike.
For full coverage, insights and updates from Woodbine’s 17th October card, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.com for comprehensive previews and expert analysis.
