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Woodbine presents a solid 7-race card on Thursday, October 23, 2025, featuring a mix of turf and synthetic surface action with competitive claiming and allowance events.
Race Day Overview
Weather conditions at Woodbine show cooler temperatures around 12°C with a chance of showers throughout the day. The track’s synthetic Tapeta surface should handle any moisture well, while the inner turf course conditions will be monitored closely for potential changes.
Racing begins at 5:30 PM ET with seven races featuring purses ranging from $28,600 to $114,600. The card includes three turf races and four synthetic races, providing diverse wagering opportunities across different surfaces and class levels.
Race-by-Race Analysis
Race 1 – $56,100 Claiming (1 Mile Inner Turf)
Key Contenders: Beach Ready (#7) emerges as the DRF selection at 8-1 odds, switching from synthetic to turf where she has shown better form previously. Fish Mooney (#1) and Retail Therapist (#6) bring class and consistency to this $25,000 claiming event.
Secondary Choices: Destiny Ro (#5) with Samuel Jalon aboard offers tactical speed, while Twisting Pistons (#4) under Munger could factor at a price.
Pace Analysis: Expect a moderate pace with Beach Ready and Fish Mooney likely to press early. The mile distance should allow for multiple tactical approaches.
Selection: Beach Ready (#7) offers value returning to turf with jockey Flores replacing departed pilot.
Race 2 – $28,600 Claiming (7F Synthetic)
Key Contenders: Pickford Sweet (#3) rates as the DRF selection at 6-1, shortening up in distance after competitive longer efforts. Great Kate (#1) and Cinnamon Bits (#2) bring proven form at this level.
Longshot Consideration: My Cash Factor (#12) with first-time Lasix could surprise at odds.
Pace Analysis: Multiple speed horses suggest a honest pace that could set up closers like Pickford Sweet.
Selection: Pickford Sweet (#3) appears well-positioned for the distance cutback.
Race 3 – $32,500 Maiden Claiming (1 1/16M Synthetic)
Key Contenders: This maiden claiming event features several first-time starters and lightly raced fillies. Love to Dream (#8) brings experience advantage with multiple starts.
Secondary Choices: Sunnyville (#2) and Closing Appeal (#7) represent connections with solid maiden statistics.
Pace Analysis: The longer distance should favor horses with tactical speed and stamina.
Wagering Angle: Consider exacta combinations with the experienced runners over first-time starters.
Race 4 – $114,600 Allowance Optional Claiming (7.5F Inner Turf)
Race 4 at Woodbine represents the evening’s feature event, a $114,600 Allowance Optional Claiming race at 7½ furlongs on the inner turf, attracting a competitive field of nine fillies and mares.
Morning Line Favorites
Speedy Freeze (#5) enters as the 5/2 morning line favorite but faces questions after a subpar performance in her last start. Trained by Ronald Sadler and ridden by Rafael Hernandez, she carries topweight at 125 pounds and seeks to rebound from that disappointing effort. Her earlier 2025 form includes a victory in a yearling sales stakes at Woodbine, demonstrating her class at this level.
Two Sip Sally (#1) emerges as the second choice at 7/2 odds, having shown consistent form for trainer W.V. Armata. The 4-year-old filly won twice in late 2024 at Woodbine, including victories on October 31 and November 29, both on the synthetic surface. Her 2025 campaign has produced mixed results with placings at distances ranging from six furlongs to one mile, suggesting versatility in trip preferences. Eswan Flores takes the mount, replacing previous connections.
Mark Casse Stable Entries
Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse deploys three runners in this competitive heat, leveraging his exceptional record at Woodbine. Bessie Abott (IRE) (#3) at 4/1 odds represents an intriguing European import who was mentioned as an early favorite for the Penn Oaks earlier this season. Fraser Aebly handles the reins on this 3-year-old who carries 121 pounds and appears well-suited for the turf conditions.
Ella It Is (#6) offers interesting value at 6/1 morning line odds despite carrying reduced weight at 118 pounds. The 3-year-old Point of Entry filly scored an impressive victory on June 1, 2025, at Woodbine over 1⅛ miles, demonstrating her ability on this surface. Her subsequent form includes an 11th-place finish in a stronger allowance company on July 20, but the class drop here could prove beneficial. Pietro Moran, who guided her to that June victory, returns for the partnership.
Souper Supreme (#2) rounds out the Casse trio at generous 20/1 odds, partnered with Patrick Husbands. The 3-year-old filly represents significant value despite limited recent form, with the experienced Husbands-Casse combination historically productive at Woodbine.
Secondary Contenders
Zisisit (IRE) (#4) brings European breeding and mature experience as a 6-year-old mare carrying 123 pounds under Keveh Nicholls. At 10/1 odds, she could provide value if the pace unfolds favorably for closers.
An Chorr Dubh (IRE) (#7) represents another European import with Kevin Attard training and Austin Adams riding. The 3-year-old filly benefits from a 116-pound impost and could factor at 10/1 odds if adapting well to North American racing conditions.
Pace Analysis
The 7½-furlong turf distance should produce tactical racing with multiple horses possessing early speed capabilities. Two Sip Sally and Speedy Freeze likely contest early fractions, potentially setting up a pace scenario favoring horses with closing kicks. The inner turf course at Woodbine typically rewards horses that can secure favorable position turning for home while maintaining stamina for the stretch drive.
Key Angles
The class relief appears significant for several entrants, particularly those dropping from stronger allowance company. Ella It Is demonstrated turf proficiency in her June victory, while the European imports Bessie Abott and Zisisit possess breeding suggesting turf aptitude.
Selection Strategy
Win Selection: Ella It Is (#6) offers the best combination of proven turf form, favorable conditions, and value at 6/1 odds. Her June victory demonstrates capability at this level, the weight reduction helps, and Pietro Moran’s familiarity with the filly provides additional confidence.
Exacta Strategy: Use Ella It Is over Bessie Abott and Two Sip Sally, capitalizing on the Casse stable strength while respecting Two Sip Sally’s consistent recent form.
Longshot Consideration: Souper Supreme (#2) at 20/1 represents exceptional value with Husbands aboard for Casse, potentially offering significant payoff opportunities in exotic wagers.
The race projects as a tactical affair where positioning and pace dynamics will prove crucial, with the Casse trio holding distinct advantages through superior training and jockey partnerships.
Race 5 – $49,200 Maiden Optional Claiming (6.5F Synthetic)
Key Contenders: Spikephil (#1) receives strong DRF backing at 6-1 odds as a Reload offspring with solid breeding. Cole’s solid record with first-time starters and the Munger partnership adds appeal.
Secondary Choices: Alfred Bellows (#6) from the Mark Casse barn brings pedigree and connections.
Pace Analysis: Sprint distance should produce honest early fractions.
Selection: Spikephil (#1) based on breeding and connections.
Race 6 – $28,600 Claiming (6F Synthetic)
Key Contenders: This appears wide open with several lightly raced horses. Very Debonaire (#3) and Souper Iconic (#4) bring the most experience.
Pace Analysis: Short sprint distance will favor early speed and tactical positioning.
Wagering Angle: Consider using multiple horses in exotic wagers due to competitive nature.
Race 7 – $52,400 Claiming (1 1/16M Inner Turf)
Race 7 closes Woodbine’s Thursday card as the evening’s feature claiming event, a $52,400 contest at 1⅟₁₆ miles on the inner turf for fillies and mares competing at the $25,000 claiming level.
DRF Best Bet Selection
Totally in Charge (#4) receives DRF Best Bet endorsement at attractive 8-1 morning line odds, representing exceptional value in this competitive heat. The 6-year-old mare trained by Santino DiPaola benefits from a significant weight concession, carrying just 116 pounds compared to her younger rivals. Recent form includes a solid performance on October 5 where she finished second and paid $4.20 to place, demonstrating her current fitness level. Austin Adams takes the mount, providing experienced guidance for the class relief opportunity.
DiPaola’s stable has shown strong form throughout the 2025 Woodbine meet, with the trainer’s horses consistently competitive in claiming company. The mare’s 2025 record shows four starts with one placing and earnings of $6,804, suggesting she’s been competitive without breaking through for victories.
Local Handicapper’s Top Selection
Design Diva (#5) earns top billing from Woodbine’s resident handicapper as the morning favorite, though her recent form presents mixed signals. Trained by Martin Drexler and ridden by Leo Salles, the 4-year-old filly scored an impressive victory on July 3, 2025, at Woodbine over 7½ furlongs, demonstrating her ability on this surface.
Her subsequent form shows consistent efforts with third-place finishes on August 15 and September 12, both at Woodbine over similar distances. The class drop from recent $40,000 optional claiming company to $25,000 claiming provides significant relief, while the distance stretch to 1⅟₁₆ miles could benefit her closing style. However, she carries topweight at 123 pounds, which could prove challenging against lighter-weighted rivals.
Secondary Contenders
Nikita’s Gem (#2) represents the formidable Sid Attard stable with Ryan Munger aboard, a partnership that has proven successful throughout the 2025 Woodbine meet. The 4-year-old filly last raced September 11 and benefits from the freshening while carrying 121 pounds. Her form line shows consistency in claiming company, making her a logical threat in this spot.
Speak Up (#7) brings intriguing form connections, having defeated Design Diva on May 29 at Woodbine when winning at 6½ furlongs. Trained by Nicholas Nosowenko with David Moran riding, she carries 121 pounds and represents value at longer odds. The distance increase to 1⅟₁₆ miles should suit her tactical style.
Alta Calibre (#3) makes her second start for trainer Kevin Whiteley with Jose Luis Campos taking over riding duties. The 3-year-old filly benefits from the weight allowance, carrying just 119 pounds, and could improve significantly in her second start for new connections.
Pace Analysis
The 1⅟₁₆-mile distance should produce tactical racing with multiple horses possessing different running styles. Design Diva and Totally in Charge likely settle in mid-pack positions, while early speed appears limited, suggesting moderate fractions that could favor closers. The inner turf course at Woodbine typically rewards horses that can secure favorable position on the turn while maintaining stamina for the stretch drive.
Key Race Dynamics
The class structure presents interesting angles, with Design Diva dropping from optional claiming company while Totally in Charge seeks her first victory of 2025 despite consistent placings. The weight differentials become significant over the route distance, with Totally in Charge’s 116-pound impost providing a meaningful advantage over topweight Design Diva.
The surface change benefits several runners, particularly those with proven turf form like Design Diva and Speak Up. Recent track conditions at Woodbine have favored horses with tactical speed who can position well turning for home.
Wagering Strategy
Win Selection: Totally in Charge (#4) represents exceptional value as the DRF Best Bet at 8-1 odds. Her combination of class relief, favorable weight, and recent competitive form provides multiple paths to victory.
Exacta Construction: Use Totally in Charge over Design Diva and Nikita’s Gem, capturing the value selection while respecting the morning favorite and consistent Attard runner.
Longshot Consideration: Speak Up (#7) offers intriguing value given her previous victory over Design Diva and the connections’ ability with turf horses at longer odds.
The race projects as a competitive affair where pace dynamics and positioning will prove crucial, with the DRF Best Bet selection offering the optimal combination of value and winning probability in the evening’s finale.
Jockey Notes
Patrick Husbands continues his strong partnership with trainer Mark Casse, showing excellent form throughout 2025 at Woodbine. Their combination has produced multiple winners and should be respected in Race 4.
Ryan Munger maintains solid statistics with 63 wins from 407 starts in 2025. His mount Spikephil in Race 5 offers value based on breeding and connections.
Fraser Aebly handles several mounts and has shown consistency throughout the meet. His experience on both surfaces provides tactical advantages.
Trainer Notes
Mark Casse leads the way with three entrants in Race 4, demonstrating his dominance in allowance company. The Casse barn consistently produces winners at Woodbine and merits respect across all conditions.
Martin Drexler trains two horses on the card and maintains solid form with claimers. His Beach Ready in Race 1 offers value on the turf switch.
Wagering Strategy
Best Single: Totally in Charge (#4) in Race 7 as the DRF Best Bet.
Value Play: Beach Ready (#7) in Race 1 at morning line 8-1 odds.
Daily Double: Race 4-5 using Souper Supreme with Spikephil for solid value.
Pick 3: Races 5-6-7 using Spikephil, multiple horses in Race 6, and Totally in Charge.
The card offers good betting opportunities with several value selections backed by expert analysis. Weather conditions should favor the synthetic races if moisture becomes a factor during the turf events.
