As autumn begins to settle over Toronto, Woodbine Racetrack is poised to host an exhilarating day of thoroughbred racing on Sunday, September 28, 2025. With the inner turf and all-weather tracks ready to welcome some of the finest horses in North America, racing fans can expect a seamless blend of speed, stamina, and strategy. From early sprints to the feature stakes race, each contest promises suspense and drama, offering a glimpse at rising stars alongside seasoned campaigners. With cool 18°C conditions forecasted, the stage is set for a memorable day that will keep punters, owners, and enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.
Race 1: The Maiden Optional Claiming | 1M Inner Turf | Purse $65,700 | 10:35 PM
The opening race will see seven promising two-year-olds vying for an early win on the inner turf. Among the contenders, HOLY MIRAGE ridden by Pietro Moran carries high expectations while FIRE AND WINE with Slade Jones and SANHEDRIN partnered with Rafael Manuel Hernandez are poised to challenge for supremacy. BALBONI’S CREW also adds intrigue with early tactical speed.
Race 2: The Claiming | 7F All Weather Track | Purse $52,400 | 11:10 PM
Nine horses will contest this sprint over the all-weather surface. COUNTRYBOYSURVIVE under Eswan Flores is expected to set the pace with GOOD KING SAM (Pietro Moran) and AMERICAN DECISION (Ryan Munger) ready to contest in the stretch. ISAAC LEO provides a potential late charge that could disrupt the expected order.
Race 3: The Optional Claiming | 7½F Inner Turf | Purse $63,800 | 11:45 PM
Six entrants will battle over a middle-distance test. GO GIFFEN with Ryan Munger looks particularly sharp, while MAGICAL TRICK (Rafael Manuel Hernandez) and ELLA IT IS (Pietro Moran) bring class and consistency. BEDAZZLE ME is expected to respond well under Anthony Pottinger’s guidance.
Race 4: The Maiden Optional Claiming | 7F All Weather Track | Purse $49,200 | 12:19 AM
Eight two-year-olds will kick off the second wave of maiden action. QUADZILLA (Austin Adams) and CATEGORY FIVE (Rafael Manuel Hernandez) appear as the leading pair with DIGITAL SECURITY (Jose Luis Campos) and FOG D’ORO (Eswan Flores) capable of impacting the finish.
Race 5: The Maiden Optional Claiming | 7F All Weather Track | Purse $65,700 | 12:53 AM
Nine contenders are set to chase victory in this competitive maiden field. HIGHLY POTENT (Pietro Moran) looks primed for a strong showing, joined by GONE HUNTING (Rafael Manuel Hernandez), SIGNATURE SIR (Sahin Civaci) and BEE ME (Keveh Nicholls) as contenders likely to feature prominently in the stretch run.
Race 6: The Allowance Optional Claiming | 7½F Inner Turf | Purse $120,700 | 1:27 AM
Nine experienced runners will tackle a demanding inner turf allowance. WAR STRATEGY (Sahin Civaci) and AWESOME BOURBON (Rafael Manuel Hernandez) bring proven class while ICE CHOCOLAT (BRZ) (Pietro Moran) and HUNT MASTER (Jose Luis Campos) offer depth and tactical versatility. The battle for the lead and late kick promises drama.
Race 7: The Maiden Special Weight | 7F All Weather Track | Purse $115,100 | 2:01 AM
This wide-open maiden will feature nine talented two-year-olds. GELATO (Rafael Manuel Hernandez) is tipped for early impact with APELDOORN (Keveh Nicholls) and FLEET OF FOOT (Ryan Munger) shaping up as potential stretch challengers. SPEIGHTS WILL (Sahin Civaci) rounds out the list of prominent contenders.
Race 8: The Allowance Optional Claiming | 7F All Weather Track | Purse $114,600 | 2:35 AM
Ten entrants will contest this sprint with FRIENDLY GHOST (Sahin Civaci) and INDIAN PEAK (Eswan Flores) expected to set the tone. SUMMER COMMANDER (Jose Luis Campos) and PAT’S GAMBLE (Pietro Moran) bring added punch for the finish, ensuring a high-stakes, tactical showdown.
Race 9: The Stakes | 1½M Inner Turf | Purse $400,000 | 3:09 AM
The day’s marquee event will see nine three-year-olds stretch their stamina over the inner turf. TOM’S MAGIC (Rafael Manuel Hernandez) enters as a standout while CIUNAS (Sahin Civaci) and ARISTELLA (Patrick Husbands) are expected to challenge for supremacy. FABER (Pietro Moran) offers late acceleration, promising a thrilling climax to the stakes encounter.
Race 10: The Allowance Optional Claiming | 6F All Weather Track | Purse $117,600 | 3:40 AM
Eight sprinters will battle over a fast six furlongs. SOCIETY’S THUNDER (Jose Luis Campos) and OLD CHESTNUT (Eswan Flores) are likely to dominate early while GARDEN OF WAR (Pietro Moran) and BABBO (Austin Adams) could surge in the stretch for a dramatic conclusion.
Race 11: The Optional Claiming | 7F All Weather Track | Purse $63,800 | 4:10 AM
Ten horses will close the card with a competitive optional claiming affair. PHILIP BANKS (Ryan Munger) and SUNDAY’S WELL (Jose Luis Campos) are expected to lead the charge with ROAR OF THE CROWD (Keveh Nicholls) and DADDY HAS DIAMONDS (David Moran) providing added intrigue as the field sprints to the wire.
From the opening mile to the high-stakes 1½ mile turf test, Woodbine Racetrack promises a full day of thrills and memorable performances. Fans will witness a blend of precocious two-year-olds, rising three-year-olds, and seasoned campaigners, each adding their own storyline to the narrative of Sunday’s card. With strategy, stamina, and raw speed on display, every race is set to captivate the Woodbine crowd.
As anticipation builds, eyes are already turning to the next big showdown at Woodbine on October 2, 2025, where more stars will rise and new rivalries will unfold. For more coverage and insights on North American horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.com.
