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Today’s card at Woodbine features eight races on the all-weather Tapeta surface, offering a mix of claiming and starter optional claiming events. First post time is 4:30 PM ET (Race 1), with the final race scheduled for 8:07 PM ET. The card presents several competitive betting opportunities across varied distances ranging from 6 1/2 furlongs to 1 1/8 miles.
Weather and Track Conditions
Environment Canada forecasts cold conditions in Toronto today with temperatures hovering around 0°C (32°F) and a chance of flurries throughout the afternoon and evening. Northwest winds of 20 km/h with gusts up to 50 km/h will create wind chill values of -6 to -7°C during racing hours. The all-weather track is listed as Fast, which is typical for Woodbine’s Tapeta surface that maintains consistency through varied weather conditions.
The Tapeta surface at Woodbine underwent thorough maintenance earlier this month following concerns that emerged in early November. The track received extensive work including rototilling to a depth of five inches, power harrowing, and finishing with a gallop master treatment. Racing has proceeded normally since mid-November with positive feedback from trainers regarding surface conditions.
Track Bias and Post Position Analysis
Woodbine’s Tapeta synthetic surface generally plays fairly, though recent patterns suggest slight advantages for certain running styles. Historical meet data from April 26 through November 23 shows early speed figures (E) winning approximately 40-41% of sprint races, with rail and inside posts performing better at shorter distances. At route distances of 1 1/16 miles and beyond, the surface rewards tactical flexibility, with stalkers and closers often able to rally successfully when pace develops honestly.
The synthetic surface produces less kickback than dirt, which benefits horses tracking pace and making sustained runs. Horses racing within three lengths of the lead at the first call win approximately 38% of the time, while deep closers from more than six lengths back win roughly 22% of the time. Inside posts maintain a modest advantage in sprints, while middle posts tend to be preferable in route races where early positioning is less critical.
Race 1 – Claiming, 1 1/16 Miles Synthetic, Purse $26,200
Post Time: 4:30 PM ET
For fillies and mares three years old and upward which have never won three races or have not won since November 28, 2024. Claiming price $5,000.
Key Contenders
English Jubilee (PP4) enters as the morning line favorite at 9-5. The four-year-old filly trained by Pat Parente has shown consistent form at this level and benefits from a favorable middle draw. With Christoff Douglas aboard at 114 lbs, she carries a significant weight advantage over older rivals. Her tactical speed should position her well through the early stages of this route.
Pickford Sweet (PP7) draws consideration at 3-1 morning line odds despite appearing on the scratch watch list with a veterinarian concern. The three-year-old trained by Michael Mattine has demonstrated ability at the claiming level, though the outside post and potential health concerns warrant monitoring. Eswan Flores picks up the mount.
Mrs. Hot Shot (PP3) at 4-1 morning line represents value from the inside portion of the track. The four-year-old filly trained by W.V. Armata has Pietro Moran aboard with a five-pound weight break. She possesses the tactical speed to stalk the pace and benefits from rail access around the turns.
Secondary Choices
Thatsitthatsall (PP5) at 6-1 has local experience but lacks the recent form to suggest a top finish. Trainer Debra Rombis has a second runner in Tatoosonmysoul (PP6), creating potential stable dynamics.
No Visor (PP2) at 8-1 morning line makes her first start for trainer Carlos Grant with Ryan Munger up. Her recent form has been moderate but class relief could spark improvement.
Pace Analysis
This race lacks confirmed early speed, setting up a moderate pace scenario. English Jubilee and Mrs. Hot Shot both possess tactical positioning ability and should be forwardly placed through honest fractions. The 1 1/16 mile distance on Tapeta typically produces opening quarter times around 24 seconds and half-mile splits near 48 seconds. Without a determined front-runner, expect a contested but manageable pace favoring stalkers.
Selections
Win: English Jubilee (4)
Place: Mrs. Hot Shot (3)
Show: Pickford Sweet (7)
Race 2 – Claiming, 1 1/16 Miles Synthetic, Purse $39,900
Post Time: 5:02 PM ET
For fillies and mares three years old and upward which have never won two races. Claiming price $15,000.
Key Contenders
Maxine Magic (PP4) shows at 5-2 morning line for trainer W.V. Armata with Pietro Moran aboard. The three-year-old filly carries only 116 lbs with Moran’s apprentice allowance and has shown steady improvement this season. Her middle post position offers tactical flexibility in this route event.
Totally in Charge (PP7) at 3-1 is the selection from several handicapping sources. The six-year-old mare trained by Santino DiPaola has Austin Adams in the irons at 118 lbs. Despite the outside draw, her experience and class edges give her a legitimate winning chance. She consistently hits the board at this level.
Remarkably Human (PP3) at 3-1 trained by Zeljko Krcmar appears on the scratch watch. If she runs, Keveh Nicholls rides at full weight of 125 lbs. She has tactical speed and the rail-adjacent post could prove beneficial.
Secondary Choices
Serenading Kitten (PP6) at 6-1 trained by Devon Gittens is an interesting alternative. Devon Gittens has been effective with his smaller string at Woodbine this season, recording a 6% win percentage from 219 starters.
Vrana (IRE) (PP1) at 10-1 draws the rail for trainer Sarah Ritchie with Luis Contreras aboard. Ritchie has shown solid form with her stable this season, and Contreras brings experience despite lower statistics in 2025.
Longshots
Love Strike (PP8) and Reload Eh (PP5) are both listed at 15-1 and appear on scratch watch. If they run, they represent longshot plays for exotics but lack recent form to suggest upset potential.
Pace Analysis
Multiple horses in this field show tactical speed tendencies. Maxine Magic and Remarkably Human should contest early positioning, creating an honest pace scenario. The 1 1/16 mile distance allows closers like Totally in Charge and Vrana to rally if fractions are aggressive. Expect contested early splits benefiting horses with late speed.
Selections
Win: Totally in Charge (7)
Place: Maxine Magic (4)
Show: Remarkably Human (3)
Race 3 – Maiden Claiming, 1 1/16 Miles Synthetic, Purse $32,500
Post Time: 5:34 PM ET
For maidens three years old and upward. Claiming price $10,000.
Key Contenders
Sluggernaut (PP9) is the clear favorite at 8-5 morning line for trainer Kevin Attard with Rafael Hernandez up. The three-year-old gelding has shown promise in three starts despite remaining winless, recording a fourth, seventh, and fourth. Attard is a top conditioner at Woodbine with 62 wins from 382 starters this season for a 16% win rate. Rafael Hernandez leads all Woodbine jockeys by earnings ($5,960,371) and has 131 wins from 571 mounts (23% win rate).
Waheela (PP1) at 7-2 draws the rail for trainer Patrick Dixon with Fraser Aebly aboard. The three-year-old gelding has three third-place finishes from six starts, demonstrating consistent board-hitting ability. Aebly has been riding effectively with a 19% win rate this meet.
Drogon (PP10) at 5-1 trained by Devon Gittens has two seconds and four shows from eight starts, hitting the board in 50% of starts. Slade Jones picks up the mount. The three-year-old shows fast stalking style that suits this distance.
Secondary Choices
Devils Tongue (PP3) at 10-1 trained by Gordon Colbourne has David Moran aboard. The four-year-old has two show finishes from nine starts and demonstrates fast stalking tendencies.
Carrick On Stage (PP2) at 12-1 has one second and one third from seven starts. Trained by Kathryn Ranford with Chad Lee up, he shows closing ability but struggles to find his best.
Longshots
Glorious Revenge (PP8) at 15-1 has accumulated $154,697 in career earnings despite remaining a maiden from 24 starts. The four-year-old consistently hits the board (33% in-the-money rate) and represents value at double-digit odds. Christoff Douglas rides at just 112 lbs.
Pace Analysis
This maiden event lacks established early speed. Sluggernaut shows fastest stalking style, while Waheela closes from off the pace. Expect a moderate pace with horses jockeying for position through the first turn. The lack of a clear front-runner could create a cavalry charge scenario into the stretch.
Selections
Win: Sluggernaut (9)
Place: Waheela (1)
Show: Drogon (10)
Race 4 – Claiming, 6 1/2 Furlongs Synthetic, Purse $26,900
Post Time: 6:06 PM ET
For three year olds and upward. Claiming price $5,000.
Key Contenders
Winston Blue (PP2) at 3-1 morning line for trainer W.V. Armata with Pietro Moran aboard. The six-year-old gelding has demonstrated consistency at this claiming level and benefits from an inside draw in this sprint. Pietro Moran has been one of the leading jockeys at Woodbine with 129 wins this season.
Valley Victory (PP3) at 4-1 for trainer Michael Glazier with Fraser Aebly riding shows solid recent form. The four-year-old has tactical speed suited to this sprint distance and should be competitive from the outset.
Mid Day Image (PP5) at 5-1 is a nine-year-old trained by Norman McKnight with Austin Adams aboard. Despite his age, he has shown durability and competitive form at this level.
Secondary Choices
Causins Mayhem (PP4) at 6-1 trained by Martin Drexler has Rafael Hernandez picking up the mount. Drexler has been effective at Woodbine with an 19% win rate from 465 starters this season. The six-year-old wears blinkers and could find tactical position.
Wilberforce (PP8) appears on scratch watch. If he runs at 8-1, Juan Crawford rides for trainer Sharon Ceccato.
Computer Hacker (PP7) at 12-1 trained by Kerron Palmer with Eswan Flores aboard represents exotics value.
Longshots
Midnight Tempesta (PP9) appears on scratch watch with veterinarian concerns. If running, the 20-1 longshot lacks form to suggest an upset.
Pace Analysis
This sprint should produce contested early speed with Winston Blue, Valley Victory, and Causins Mayhem all showing forward tendencies. The 6 1/2 furlong distance on Woodbines synthetic surface typically produces rapid fractions. Inside posts have an advantage in sprints, favoring Winston Blue and Valley Victory.
Selections
Win: Winston Blue (2)
Place: Valley Victory (3)
Show: Mid Day Image (5)
Race 5 – Starter Optional Claiming, 1 1/16 Miles Synthetic, Purse $40,700
Post Time: 6:38 PM ET
For three year olds and upward which have started for a claiming price of $7,500 or less in 2024-2025 or claiming price $15,000.
Key Contenders
This Dude a Breeze (PP6) at 7-2 morning line for trainer Sarah Ritchie with Rafael Hernandez aboard is the standout. The five-year-old gelding has six wins from 22 starts (27% win rate) and shows a consistent in-the-money rate of 59%. Ritchie won with this horse on October 13 and has conditioned him well throughout 2025. Hernandez has the hot hand at Woodbine and should get him into ideal tactical position.
Sherif Ali (PP3) at 3-1 is trained by John Coryat with Jeffrey Alderson up. The four-year-old has five wins from 16 starts (31% win rate) with an impressive 56% in-the-money rate. He appears on scratch watch but if running, represents strong competition.
Soulmate (PP2) at 4-1 trained by Michael Wright Jr. with Eswan Flores aboard has consistent form at this level. The nine-year-old veteran has three wins from 32 starts but frequently hits the board (41% show rate).
Secondary Choices
Graffiti Writer (PP4) at 6-1 trained by Steven Chircop with Fraser Aebly riding has three wins from 12 starts (25% win rate). The three-year-old has shown ability at route distances and could threaten if the pace is honest.
Swan Lake (PP5) at 8-1 for trainer Zeljko Krcmar with Keveh Nicholls aboard has nine wins from 42 starts. Krcmar maintains a 15% win rate and 40% in-the-money rate at Woodbine.
Longshots
Palace View (IRE) (PP7) at 15-1 for trainer Martin Drexler shows closing ability and could rally for a share if pace collapses.
Pace Analysis
This race features horses with varied running styles. Swan Lake shows early speed tendencies, while This Dude a Breeze and Sherif Ali prefer mid-pack positioning before making sustained runs. Expect moderate early fractions with horses spreading out through the first turn before sorting themselves for the stretch drive.
Selections
Win: This Dude a Breeze (6)
Place: Sherif Ali (3)
Show: Soulmate (2)
Race 6 – Starter Optional Claiming, 6 1/2 Furlongs Synthetic, Purse $36,300
Post Time: 7:08 PM ET
For three year olds and upward which have started for a claiming price of $5,000 or less in 2024-2025 or claiming price $10,000.
Key Contenders
Country Living (PP3) at 5-2 morning line trained by Martin Drexler with Eswan Flores aboard has shown excellent recent form. The four-year-old has three wins from 14 starts (21% win rate) with an impressive 71% in-the-money rate. Drexler has been effective at Woodbine with an 19% win rate and 57% in-the-money percentage from starters. He appears on scratch watch.
Dissectologist (PP7) at 3-1 trained by Joe Russo with Rafael Hernandez up has back-to-back victories entering this race. The six-year-old shows fast lead tendencies and could wire the field if unchallenged early. He appears on scratch watch.
Echo With Laughter (PP1) at 7-2 for trainer Dale Powell with DaSean Gaskin riding draws the rail. The six-year-old has eight wins from 25 starts (32% win rate) with a 60% in-the-money rate.
Secondary Choices
Jamiesta (PP2) at 6-1 trained by Joe Russo with Omelio Francis aboard gives Russo two chances. The five-year-old wears blinkers and has six wins from 37 starts.
Big Baby Henry (PP9) at 10-1 trained by Philip Hall with Keveh Nicholls riding has a recent win and could improve from the outside. Hall maintains a 20% win rate with his current stable.
Longshots
Always a Way (PP6) at 20-1 has won recently at Fort Erie and could offer value at inflated odds.
Pace Analysis
This sprint should produce contested early speed with Dissectologist, Echo With Laughter, and Barak all showing forward placement tendencies. The 6 1/2 furlong distance rewards early positioning but allows closers opportunity if the pace collapses. Country Living shows stalking ability and could benefit from pace pressure on others.
Selections
Win: Country Living (3)
Place: Dissectologist (7)
Show: Echo With Laughter (1)
Race 7 – Claiming, 1 1/8 Miles Synthetic, Purse $39,900
Post Time: 7:38 PM ET
For three year olds and upward which have never won three races. Claiming price $15,000.
Key Contenders
Gotme Good (PP4) at 5-2 morning line is trained by Donald MacRae with Pietro Moran aboard. The three-year-old gelding won on November 14 at $7.00 and has demonstrated positioning ability suited to this distance. Handicappers have identified him as a key contender with proven tactical sense.
Shamateur (PP9) at 3-1 for trainer Devon Gittens with Eswan Flores up represents the outside post. The six-year-old has been consistent at Woodbine and could benefit if pace develops honestly.
Cants Jump (PP8) at 5-1 trained by Darwin Banach with Emma-Jayne Wilson aboard offers tactical versatility. Wilson brings experience to a horse that should be competitive at this claiming level.
Secondary Choices
Ethnic Soul (PP6) at 6-1 trained by L. Rodney Barrow with Rafael Hernandez up has been identified as a live horse coming right back from recent trips. Handicappers note improvement potential based on recent efforts.
Adapted (PP3) at 8-1 for trainer Steven Chircop with Fraser Aebly riding could threaten late if pace is honest.
Longshots
Catholic Jackie (PP7) at 12-1 trained by Roy George Agostino is selected by some handicappers over the favorite. The four-year-old represents exotics value with Leo Salles aboard.
Pace Analysis
The 1 1/8 mile distance is the longest on the card and requires stamina. Gotme Good shows positioning ability and should sit in good stalking position. Without established early speed, expect a moderate pace that could benefit tactical runners and closers.
Selections
Win: Gotme Good (4)
Place: Shamateur (9)
Show: Ethnic Soul (6)
Race 8 – Claiming, 1 1/16 Miles Synthetic, Purse $26,200
Post Time: 8:07 PM ET
For three year olds and upward which have never won three races or have not won since November 28, 2024. Claiming price $5,000.
Key Contenders
Three Sonny Sideup (PP6) at 5-2 morning line trained by Richard Morden with Pietro Moran aboard enters as the favorite. The five-year-old has shown consistent form at this claiming level and benefits from Morans hot hand.
Nonnos Little Boy (PP8) at 3-1 trained by W.V. Armata with Austin Adams up represents a top stable. The seven-year-old veteran has experience at this level and consistently competes for placings.
Pet Sounds (PP3) at 4-1 for trainer Danny Yu with Slade Jones riding offers value from the inside. The four-year-old should be competitive at this claiming level.
Secondary Choices
Volcanic (PP9) at 6-1 trained by Sid C. Attard with Ryan Munger up represents one of Woodbines top stables. Sid Attard has 27 wins from 201 starters this season at Woodbine.
Awe Inspired (PP1) at 8-1 for trainer John Ross with Eswan Flores aboard draws the rail. The three-year-old could benefit from inside position in this route.
Longshots
Sugar Its Eli (PP5) appears on scratch watch. If running, the 20-1 longshot faces fitness questions.
Bet N Win (PP2) at 10-1 trained by Kathy Patton with Christoff Douglas at 112 lbs offers weight savings but lacks recent form.
Pace Analysis
This finale should produce moderate early speed. Three Sonny Sideup and Nonnos Little Boy both possess tactical positioning ability and should be forwardly placed. The 1 1/16 mile distance favors horses that can save ground and make sustained runs through the stretch.
Selections
Win: Three Sonny Sideup (6)
Place: Nonnos Little Boy (8)
Show: Pet Sounds (3)
Jockey Notes and Insights
Rafael Hernandez leads all Woodbine jockeys by earnings with $5,960,371 and has recorded 131 wins from 571 mounts this season for a 23% win rate. The Puerto Rican native moved to Woodbine in 2016 and has established himself as a dominant force, winning the Sovereign Award for Outstanding Jockey in 2020. He has significant mounts today on Sluggernaut (Race 3), This Dude a Breeze (Race 5), Dissectologist (Race 6), and Ethnic Soul (Race 7).
Pietro Moran has enjoyed a breakout 2025 campaign, becoming the first apprentice jockey at Woodbine to reach $1 million in earnings in just 22 days into the meet. The 20-year-old son of veteran jockey David Moran has 129 wins this season and leads the jockey standings by victories. He has mounts on favorites in Races 1, 2, 4, 7, and 8 today.
Eswan Flores has recorded 59 wins this season at Woodbine and will be relocating to Oaklawn Park for the winter season. He has five mounts today including Country Living (Race 6) and Shamateur (Race 7).
Luis Contreras brings veteran experience despite lower 2025 statistics (13% win rate, $1.79M earnings). The two-time Sovereign Award winner (2011-2012) rides Vrana in Race 2.
Fraser Aebly has been consistent with a 19% win rate and picks up several live mounts today including Waheela (Race 3) and Graffiti Writer (Race 5).
Trainer Notes and Insights
Kevin Attard is among Woodbines elite trainers with 62 wins from 382 starters (16% win rate) and $5.6 million in earnings this season. His three King’s Plate victories in four years underscore his ability with top stock, and he saddles the heavy favorite Sluggernaut in Race 3.
Martin Drexler has been effective with an 19% win rate from 465 starters and $3.2 million in earnings this season. He has Country Living and Palace View entered today.
Sarah Ritchie has developed into a capable conditioner, with This Dude a Breeze representing one of her stable stars after multiple wins this season. She has demonstrated particular skill with horses on the synthetic surface.
Devon Gittens maintains a small but effective stable with 31 wins from 219 starters this season. His horses Drogon (Race 3) and Shamateur (Race 7) are live contenders today.
Zeljko Krcmar brings 79 years of horse experience and has developed a steady presence at Woodbine with a 15% win rate and 40% in-the-money percentage. He saddles Swan Lake in Race 5.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
Todays card presents several solid wagering opportunities centered around class analysis and jockey strength.
The most reliable win bet appears to be Sluggernaut (Race 3) at 8-5 morning line. Despite short odds, the Kevin Attard/Rafael Hernandez combination has proven deadly at Woodbine, and Sluggernaut represents significant class advantage over maiden claiming rivals.
This Dude a Breeze (Race 5) at 7-2 offers value as a proven performer in starter optional claiming company with the leading rider aboard. His 27% win rate and 59% in-the-money percentage suggest consistency that the morning line may undervalue.
For exotic wagering, Race 3 presents trifecta and superfecta opportunities keying Sluggernaut on top with Waheela, Drogon, and Devils Tongue underneath. The maiden field contains several second-money and show candidates that could return healthy prices.
Race 6 features a competitive field with multiple contenders on scratch watch. If Country Living and Dissectologist both run, an exacta box at favorable odds could prove valuable. If scratches occur, Echo With Laughter becomes a stronger win candidate at potentially better odds.
The late pick four (Races 5-8) could be structured using singles on This Dude a Breeze (Race 5) and Gotme Good (Race 7) while spreading in Races 6 and 8 to include the favorites plus secondary choices.
Value longshots to include in exotic wagers today are Catholic Jackie (Race 7) at 12-1, who has received handicapper support, and Glorious Revenge (Race 3) at 15-1, whose consistent placing ability could deliver superfecta value.
