Woodbine will stage a full afternoon of racing on Thursday, September 18, when the Thoroughbred division brings a varied seven-race card to its all-weather and turf strips. Gates and racing activity will unfold under mild skies and a comfortable 18°C reading, as a mix of maidens, claimers and allowance-level contests will offer storylines for trainers and fans alike. The card will move briskly through sprints and routes, giving emerging horses and seasoned campaigners alike a chance to press their autumn claims.
RACE 1:
Start Time: 3:00 AM | Distance: 1 1/8M | Prize Money: $32,500 | Race Name: MAIDEN CLAIMING (All-Weather Track)
Seven will go to post in the opener, a route for older maidens that will test late resolve on Woodbine’s synthetic surface. The race will reward those who can sustain a move into the stretch after the far turn. Contenders: 7 runners ARRAKASTA IZAN, NIGHT STRIKER, KING PUTT, RUNAWAY MAXI.
RACE 2:
Start Time: 3:33 AM | Distance: 5F | Prize Money: $52,400 | Race Name: CLAIMING (Inner Turf)
A quick turf dash will follow, featuring speed and turf-bred fillies able to handle firm ground. The inner turf will demand sharp early positioning and willing finishing bursts. Contenders: 7 runners, CITORI, REACH FOR THE TOP, UNHEARD, STEALIN’TIME.
RACE 3:
Start Time: 4:06 AM | Distance: 6½F | Prize Money: $36,100 | Race Name: MAIDEN CLAIMING (All-Weather Track)
The third will be a compact test for three-year-olds trying to break their maidens over a middle sprint distance. The race will suit those who can combine early speed with a second-gear kick. Contenders: 9 runners-Â SWITCHIN’ TO GLIDE, TEMPLE HALL, SPIRITUAL MAN, SPRINGER.
RACE 4:
Start Time: 4:38 AM | Distance: 6F | Prize Money: $36,300 | Race Name: STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING (All-Weather Track)
A starter-optional affair will bring in experienced mares and fillies who will look to stamp authority in the lane. Tactical speed and a clean journey out of traffic will prove valuable as these runners negotiate the straightaway. Contenders: 9 runners — FOREST B, GIZMO’S B F F, GOGLY EYES, ONDINE LADY.
RACE 5:
Start Time: 5:08 AM | Distance: 6½F | Prize Money: $56,100 | Race Name: CLAIMING (All-Weather Track)
Mid-card action will feature a robust claiming tilt where sprinters and short-route specialists will try to assert themselves. Sprinters with pace and punch will shape the early tempo while late closers will seek room in the lane. Contenders: 8 runners — LOGISTICS, SUPER SICILY, SPIRIT BEAR, HOME FOR A REST.
RACE 6:
Start Time: 5:38 AM | Distance: 1 1/16M | Prize Money: $65,700 | Race Name: MAIDEN OPTIONAL CLAIMING (All-Weather Track)
This will be the card’s keystone route for younger horses stepping up in distance, a test of balance between tactical speed and the ability to finish with purpose. Connections will be looking for signs of future promise over a mile and a sixteenth. Contenders: 6 runners — TRIP ACES, THOR’S CAUSE, BIG SCREEN BOSS, POCKET SPEED.
RACE 7:
Start Time: 6:07 AM | Distance: 5½F | Prize Money: $36,100 | Race Name: MAIDEN CLAIMING (All-Weather Track)
The curtain will come down on a lively sprint for maidens where juveniles and younger fillies will aim to graduate. The short trip will favour precocity and gate speed; expect a compact, high-energy dash to the wire. Contenders: 12 runners — ROCK HARD ROSE, BALLS IN UR COURT, TENTOMIDNIGHT, POOKIESLOOKINGFIRE.
Across the seven races, Woodbine will present a balanced program that highlights the depth of Canadian racing, a blend of turf speed, synthetic routes and tight sprints that will give trainers chances to tune their barns and reveal developing talent. Weather will be mild and the racing surfaces will invite energetic early moves and strong finishes down the stretch.
As the day’s final flags drop, attention will already shift to the next Woodbine fixture, where fresh matchups and new narratives will await.
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