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Saturday’s eleven-race card at Woodbine features two of the most important Canadian-bred juvenile stakes on the calendar: the $250,000 Princess Elizabeth Stakes (Race 8) and the $250,000 Coronation Futurity (Race 10). These stakes serve as pivotal stepping stones toward next year’s Woodbine Oaks and King’s Plate, respectively.
The Coronation Futurity, first contested in 1902, will be run for the 122nd time at a distance of 1 1/8 miles. Past winners include legendary Canadian runners such as Northern Dancer, and the race traditionally produces contenders for the following year’s King’s Plate, though no Coronation winner has captured the Plate since Norcliffe in 1976.
In a rare move, trainer Dale Desruisseaux has entered his standout filly Dixie Law against the colts in the Coronation Futurity rather than the Princess Elizabeth Stakes. The Tiz the Law filly has already defeated males in the Cup and Saucer Stakes and is a graded stakes winner, making her the horse to beat.
The card also includes four horses on the scratch watch: Light the Lamp (Race 6), Speedy Freeze (Race 9), Navy Street (Race 10), and Butwaitthere’smore (Race 11), all flagged for veterinarian or stewards review.[user-provided]
Weather and Track Conditions
Weather conditions for Saturday’s racing at Woodbine call for temperatures ranging from 27°F to 34°F (approximately -3°C to 1°C), with some sun in the morning giving way to increasing clouds through the afternoon. Racing should proceed under dry conditions with no precipitation expected during the program, though late evening snow is forecast after the races conclude.
Woodbine’s Tapeta synthetic surface underwent extensive maintenance earlier in the season and has been performing well heading into the final weeks of the 2025 meet. Following collaborative work with Tapeta consultants, the surface received thorough treatment including rototilling to a depth of five inches, power harrowing, and gallop master finishing to ensure an even and consistent racing surface.
The Tapeta surface at Woodbine generally plays fairly throughout the season. Historical data from the current meet (April 26 through November 2025) indicates early speed figures win approximately 40-41% of sprint races, with rail and inside post positions showing slight advantages at shorter distances. At route distances of 1 1/16 miles and beyond, the surface rewards tactical flexibility, with stalkers and closers able to rally successfully when pace develops honestly.
Race 1 – Maiden Claiming
Post Time: 1:05 PM ET
Maiden Claiming, Fillies and Mares 3YO and Up, 6 1/2 Furlongs Synthetic, Purse $36,100, Claiming $15,000
Pace Analysis
This race features several early speed types that could create a contested pace. Rock Hard Rose shows fastest early speed figures and should be forwardly placed from the start. Florida Vacation typically races in mid-pack but has shown the ability to press the pace. Faultfinder and Dancin Mary Marie both show fast leading tendencies, which could create pace pressure that benefits closers if the fractions become too ambitious.
Key Contenders
Rock Hard Rose enters as the morning line favorite at 2-1 with solid form figures. The 3-year-old filly trained by Debra Rombis shows the fastest early speed in the field and has been knocking on the door with three seconds and five third-place finishes from eleven career starts. Her earnings of $152,743 top the field despite remaining a maiden, and jockey Jeffrey Alderson has a solid 14% win rate at the current meet.
Florida Vacation rates as the second choice on the morning line at 5-2 for trainer Sid Attard. The 3-year-old filly shows mid-pack stalking style and benefits from the services of meet-leading rider Fraser Aebly, who boasts a 15% win rate at Woodbine this year.
Secondary Choices
Faultfinder ships in for trainer Nathan Squires and shows fast leading tendencies. The filly carries the lightest weight in the field at 111 pounds with apprentice Christoff Douglas aboard. Despite nine starts without a win, speed figures suggest she could be competitive at this level.
Dancin Mary Marie shows early speed potential for trainer Michelle Love. Austin Adams rides with an 8% win rate, and the filly has shown some ability in previous outings.
Longshots
Froginapond at 12-1 has the experience advantage with twelve career starts but shows a slower deep-closing style that may not suit the sprint distance. Malibu Betty at 8-1 is another Carlos Grant trainee who shows late-running tendencies but has failed to hit the board in eight career attempts.
Betting Strategy
The key question is whether Rock Hard Rose can finally break through after consistent minor awards. Florida Vacation with Aebly up could capitalize if the pace is contested. Consider an exacta box with Rock Hard Rose and Florida Vacation, with Faultfinder underneath in trifectas.
Selections
Win: Rock Hard Rose (7)
Place: Florida Vacation (6)
Show: Faultfinder (2)
Race 2 – Claiming
Post Time: 1:34 PM ET
Claiming, Fillies and Mares 3YO and Up, 7 Furlongs Synthetic, Purse $52,400, Claiming $25,000
Pace Analysis
Firecracker Fiona and Tandhoneywithane rate as the pace factors here, with Dancetotherhythm likely to stalk from just off the lead. This could set up a moderate early tempo that favors the stalkers and mild closers in the field.
Key Contenders
Firecracker Fiona emerges as the consensus top selection at 2-1 morning line odds for trainer Gail Cox. The 4-year-old mare benefits from Fraser Aebly’s services and has shown consistent form at this level.
Tandhoneywithane rates right behind at 5-2 for trainer Michael Mattine with Rafael Hernandez aboard. The 3-year-old filly shows fast leading style and could prove hard to catch if she secures an uncontested lead.
Dancetotherhythm represents the Steve Attard barn with Pietro Moran in the irons. The 3-year-old filly enters off solid recent form and the trainer connection warrants respect.
Secondary Choices
Loveumissumeanit drew attention from handicappers as a potential value play at 6-1 morning line. The daughter of Vino Rosso (a 15% synthetic sire) is dropping in class and has worked nicely on the Tapeta since her last start. This experiment on the surface could yield positive results.
Poetic Amy at 8-1 offers some value if the pace collapses and benefits closers.
Longshots
Ambitious Lass at 20-1 appears overmatched based on her recent form figures.
Betting Strategy
Firecracker Fiona looks the one to beat, but Loveumissumeanit offers intriguing value as a class dropper. Use Firecracker Fiona on top with Tandhoneywithane and Loveumissumeanit in exotic wagers.
Selections
Win: Firecracker Fiona (7)
Place: Tandhoneywithane (3)
Show: Loveumissumeanit (1)
Race 3 – Claiming
Post Time: 2:03 PM ET
Claiming, Fillies and Mares 3YO and Up, 1 1/16 Miles Synthetic, Purse $29,400, Claiming $7,500
Pace Analysis
This route race at the bottom claiming level features several horses with different running styles. P.S. Rising Star could show some early speed, but Misty Eyed appears best positioned to track the pace and strike in the stretch. The distance should favor horses with tactical speed who can rate off the pace.
Key Contenders
Misty Eyed rates as the morning line favorite at 2-1 for trainer Dale Desruisseaux with Rafael Hernandez riding. The 3-year-old filly shows improving form and the trainer’s route-stretching statistics are excellent.
P.S. Rising Star at 5-2 brings route experience for trainer Devon Gittens with Eswan Flores aboard. The 6-year-old mare has the class and distance aptitude to compete at this level.
Secondary Choices
Purrfect Girl at 4-1 represents trainer Martin Drexler with Fraser Aebly riding. The 4-year-old filly shows solid route form figures and the connections are capable.
Hay Hay Paula at 6-1 has veteran campaigner status with experience at the distance for trainer Steven Chircop.
Longshots
Saratoga Empress (GB) at 13-1 is an interesting import who may offer value if the class translates to the synthetic surface.
Betting Strategy
Misty Eyed looks solid at the top but is likely to be heavily bet. P.S. Rising Star could offer value in the exotics. Structure wagers with Misty Eyed and P.S. Rising Star on top.
Selections
Win: Misty Eyed (6)
Place: P.S. Rising Star (5)
Show: Purrfect Girl (2)
Race 4 – Maiden Special Weight
Post Time: 2:33 PM ET
Maiden Special Weight, Fillies 2YO, 1 1/16 Miles Synthetic, Purse $115,100
Pace Analysis
This juvenile maiden at a route distance presents a classic handicapping puzzle. Several of these fillies are stretching out for the first time. Heart Tap and O’Hearn could show some early foot, setting up a pace scenario that benefits the late runners if fractions become contested.
Key Contenders
Dunmore Beach rates as the morning line favorite at 5-2 for trainer Josie Carroll, one of Canada’s premier conditioners with three Queen’s Plate victories to her credit. The 2-year-old filly has been finishing well in both starts and draws Fraser Aebly. Carroll’s ability to develop young fillies is well documented, and the combination here is formidable.
Lapin de Plage at 3-1 is stablemate to Dunmore Beach, also trained by Catherine Day Phillips. Ryan Munger has the mount on this filly who showed promise in debut efforts.
Secondary Choices
Heart Tap at 4-1 enters for trainer Steven Chircop with Da-Sean Gaskin riding. The filly shows fast leading tendencies and could prove dangerous if allowed an easy lead.
O’Hearn at 9-2 represents Kevin Attard, the reigning Sovereign Award-winning trainer, with Pietro Moran aboard. Attard won the trainer title last year by just one point over Mark Casse, and his juveniles always warrant respect.
Longshots
Vanish at 6-1 represents the Mark Casse barn with Rafael Hernandez riding. Casse has been Woodbine’s leading trainer for over a decade and develops young horses exceptionally well.
Betting Strategy
The Josie Carroll-trained Dunmore Beach appears to have the edge in development and connections. Use her as a single in pick sequences while including stablemate Lapin de Plage and O’Hearn in exotic combinations.
Selections
Win: Dunmore Beach (2)
Place: Lapin de Plage (7)
Show: Heart Tap (4)
Race 5 – Maiden Optional Claiming
Post Time: 3:03 PM ET
Maiden Optional Claiming, Fillies 2YO Ontario Sired or $40,000 Claiming, 6 1/2 Furlongs Synthetic, Purse $65,700
Pace Analysis
This sprint maiden for Ontario-sired fillies features several early-speed types. Regal Affair and No Frills both show tactical speed, and if they engage early, it could set up for closers. The field of nine creates a full-field scenario where pace should develop.
Key Contenders
Regal Affair rates as the consensus top pick at 5-2 morning line for trainer Steve Attard with Pietro Moran riding. The combination of the hot apprentice jockey with a competitive barn makes this one to beat.
No Frills at 3-1 represents Josie Carroll with Fraser Aebly aboard. Carroll’s expertise with developing young fillies and Aebly’s current form make this another logical contender.
Secondary Choices
Rose Fortune at 4-1 is another Kevin Attard trainee with Jalon Samuel riding. The filly shows some promise and the trainer angle adds appeal.
Georgia Rain at 6-1 represents Kevin Attard as well, with Rafael Hernandez aboard. Another live runner from the Sovereign Award-winning trainer’s barn.
Longshots
Spun for Flatter at 8-1 represents Josie Carroll and could offer value if the pace collapses and favors closers.
Betting Strategy
Regal Affair and No Frills appear evenly matched at the top. Box these two in exactas with Rose Fortune and Georgia Rain filling out trifectas.
Selections
Win: Regal Affair (5)
Place: No Frills (1)
Show: Rose Fortune (9)
Race 6 – Allowance Optional Claiming
Post Time: 3:34 PM ET
Allowance Optional Claiming, 3YO and Up, 5 Furlongs Synthetic, Purse $117,600
Pace Analysis
The short five-furlong distance puts a premium on early speed. Light the Lamp (on scratch watch for veterinarian review) was the morning line favorite but may not run. Artemus Citylimits and Arabian Prince both show early speed that could create a hot pace. The short dash favors tactical speed horses who can recover quickly.
Key Contenders
Assuming Light the Lamp scratches, Artemus Citylimits becomes the logical top choice for trainer Martin Drexler with Eswan Flores riding. The 8-year-old gelding has been competitive at this level throughout the meet.
Roi Soleil at 4-1 offers intrigue for trainer Philip Hall with Xarel Forde riding. The 4-year-old colt has tactical speed and could capitalize if pace scenarios develop favorably.
Secondary Choices
Go Kart Mozart at 6-1 represents Hall of Fame trainer Robert Tiller, who has four Woodbine training titles to his credit. The 3-year-old gelding has won twice already this meet and Rafael Hernandez picks up the mount.
Arabian Prince at 8-1 could show early speed for Martin Drexler.
Longshots
Botta Swing at 15-1 is the lone mare in the field but appears overmatched based on recent form.
Betting Strategy
Monitor scratch status of Light the Lamp closely. If scratched, Artemus Citylimits becomes the choice with Go Kart Mozart offering value. Structure exactas with Artemus Citylimits and Roi Soleil on top.
Selections
Win: Artemus Citylimits (3)
Place: Roi Soleil (7)
Show: Go Kart Mozart (2)
Race 7 – Allowance Optional Claiming
Post Time: 4:05 PM ET
Allowance Optional Claiming, Fillies and Mares 3YO and Up, 7 Furlongs Synthetic, Purse $117,600
Pace Analysis
This seven-furlong test for fillies and mares features several tactical types. Ready to Battle shows slower leading tendencies, while Bessie Abott tends to stalk from off the pace. The pace should be moderate, setting up for horses with late kick.
Key Contenders
Bessie Abott (IRE) emerges as the morning line favorite at 2-1 for the powerful Mark Casse barn with Pietro Moran riding. The 3-year-old Irish-bred filly shows a 29% win rate and 71% in-the-money percentage, demonstrating consistency that is difficult to discount.
A Little Frisky at 5-2 represents Josie Carroll with Fraser Aebly aboard. The 4-year-old filly has been competitive at this level and the connections inspire confidence.
Secondary Choices
Ready to Battle at 4-1 is another Casse trainee with Ryan Munger riding. The 3-year-old filly shows two wins from nine starts and has shown improvement of late.
Scat Girl at 7-1 could offer value for trainer Michael De Paulo.
Longshots
Cozy Curlin Kitten at 11-1 shows minimal winning profile numbers and appears overmatched.
Betting Strategy
Bessie Abott appears the most logical winner, but the Casse-Moran combination has been hit or miss. A Little Frisky with Aebly provides the alternative. Box the top three in trifectas.
Selections
Win: Bessie Abott (IRE) (1)
Place: A Little Frisky (5)
Show: Ready to Battle (3)
Race 8 – Princess Elizabeth Stakes
Post Time: 4:38 PM ET
Princess Elizabeth Stakes, Fillies 2YO Foaled in Canada, 1 1/16 Miles Synthetic, Purse $250,000
Pace Analysis
The Princess Elizabeth Stakes features four winners facing four maidens over 1 1/16 miles. The pace scenario appears favorable for stalking types. Piper’s Gift shows the ability to rate just off the pace, while La Culasse has won at the distance. With no extreme speed in the field, expect a moderate early tempo.
Key Contenders
Piper’s Gift rates as the heavy favorite on many handicapping sheets for trainer Dale Desruisseaux with Rafael Hernandez riding. The filly comes off a commanding Glorious Song Stakes victory at seven furlongs and is stretching out to 1 1/16 miles. Desruisseaux has a 36% win rate when moving horses from sprints to routes over the past two years, an impressive angle. The filly worked a comfortable 1:00.00 on November 19 in company with stablemate Dixie Law, drawing positive reviews from the barn.
Katie’s Grace at 7-2 enters for trainer Catherine Day Phillips with Ryan Munger aboard. The filly finished a creditable third behind Dixie Law in the Grade 3 Mazarine Stakes after trailing a slow pace and racing wide into the stretch. Her pedigree traces back to Princess Elizabeth winner and champion Fanfreluche.
La Culasse at 4-1 represents Kevin Attard with Pietro Moran riding. The filly has already won at 1 1/16 miles, proving the distance, and the trainer-jockey combination has been effective.
Secondary Choices
Bells of Paradise at 6-1 represents Josie Carroll with Fraser Aebly aboard. The filly won a six-furlong dash first time out by a sprint sire (Yaupon), but her dam produced route stakes winner Notorious Gangster, suggesting the distance may not be an issue.
Fleury at 8-1 is stablemate to Bells of Paradise from the Carroll barn with Luis Contreras riding. The filly shows slowest leading style and could be pace-compromised.
Longshots
Ashlee B at 20-1 is an intriguing price play. Trainer Patrick Dixon remains optimistic despite a sixth-place debut, noting “She settled, she learned, she finished well.” The filly was wide against a strong inside bias, and this race asks more but breeding suggests she could handle the distance.
Betting Strategy
Piper’s Gift appears the deserving favorite and could dominate if she settles behind horses as she did in the Glorious Song. Katie’s Grace offers value as the main alternative, having already proven she can compete against graded stakes company. Consider exacta boxes with Piper’s Gift and Katie’s Grace, using La Culasse and Ashlee B underneath for trifectas.
Selections
Win: Piper’s Gift (4)
Place: Katie’s Grace (7)
Show: La Culasse (6)
Race 9 – Starter Handicap
Post Time: 5:11 PM ET
Starter Handicap, Fillies and Mares 3YO and Up, 7 Furlongs Synthetic, Purse $60,000
Pace Analysis
Note that Speedy Freeze is on scratch watch for veterinarian review. If she runs, the pace dynamics change significantly. Assuming she runs, she shows fast deep-closing style. O Wow tends to lead while Veery shows slow leading tendencies. The pace could be contested if O Wow and Home for a Rest engage early.
Key Contenders
Speedy Freeze rates as the morning line favorite at 2-1 (if she runs) for trainer Ronald Sadler with Rafael Hernandez riding. The 4-year-old filly shows a 33% win rate with 89% in-the-money percentage, impressive consistency at this level.
Purr Factor at 3-1 represents trainer Devon Gittens with Fraser Aebly aboard. The 4-year-old filly shows mid-pack leading style and career earnings approaching $530,000 demonstrate her ability.
O Wow at 7-2 enters for trainer Sarah Ritchie with Pietro Moran riding. The 5-year-old mare shows slower leading style with a 20% win rate and 60% in-the-money mark.
Secondary Choices
Home for a Rest at 5-1 represents Hall of Fame trainer Robert Tiller with Daisuke Fukumoto aboard. The 4-year-old filly shows fastest stalking style with career earnings exceeding $348,000.
Veery at 8-1 has substantial career earnings approaching $700,000 for trainer Martin Drexler.
Longshots
Super Sicily at 10-1 has won five races and shows potential value if pace collapses.
Betting Strategy
Monitor Speedy Freeze’s scratch status closely. If she runs, she’s the logical top choice. Otherwise, Purr Factor and O Wow become the prime contenders. Home for a Rest offers value given the Tiller connection.
Selections
Win: Speedy Freeze (5) (if runs), otherwise Purr Factor (7)
Place: Purr Factor (7)
Show: Home for a Rest (1)
Race 10 – Coronation Futurity Stakes
Post Time: 5:44 PM ET
Coronation Futurity Stakes, 2YO Foaled in Canada, 1 1/8 Miles Synthetic, Purse $250,000
Pace Analysis
Note that Navy Street is on scratch watch for stewards review. This stakes race features nine two-year-olds, including the standout filly Dixie Law taking on males. Several early speed types could create an honest pace: Deputy Curlin was the lone speed when he won last month, Fire and Wine won a maiden claiming race wire-to-wire, and Amore Mio has shown speed. If the pace is contested, it sets up perfectly for Dixie Law’s stalking style.
Key Contenders
Dixie Law enters as the overwhelming consensus top pick at 2-1 morning line for trainer Dale Desruisseaux with Rafael Hernandez riding. The graded stakes-winning Tiz the Law filly has already beaten males in the Cup and Saucer Stakes and comes off a determined victory in the Mazarine Stakes (G3) on November 2, pulling away by 1 1/4 lengths in 1:46.71. Trainer Desruisseaux explains his decision to enter against colts: “She has already beaten the boys in the Cup & Saucer, and I think the distance suits her better.” The filly shows a patient running style: “She settles, she waits, and if something comes to her, she responds. She’s not the type to open up by ten lengths, but she fights.”
Military Time at 3-1 represents Mark Casse with Fraser Aebly aboard. The Gun Runner colt won his debut impressively with an 80 Beyer Speed Figure, drawing away at 6 1/2 furlongs. His fade in the Cup and Saucer on grass could be attributed to surface preference, and the return to synthetic may benefit him.
Navy Street at 4-1 (if he runs) enters for trainer Sid Attard with Eswan Flores riding. The chestnut was a strong runner-up in the Display Stakes after winning on debut with authority. Jockey Flores notes: “What’s impressed me most is how quickly he has matured. He handles pressure, he handles space, and he adapts. That calm mind matters.”
Secondary Choices
Buium at 10-1 offers value as the lone maiden in the field for trainer Kevin Attard with Pietro Moran riding. The colt was third in the Cup and Saucer Stakes on turf and had little chance in the Grey Stakes when too far back and extremely wide against an inside bias. He should have a strong pace to run at.
Deputy Curlin at 6-1 represents Mark Casse with Ryan Munger riding. The gelding was the lone speed in a five-horse field when he won last month, and questions remain about his ability to rate if the pace develops honestly.
Longshots
Speights Will at 12-1 appears to be a colt who might like the longer distance for trainer Steven Chircop.
Fire and Wine at 20-1 won a maiden claiming race by 13 lengths as lone speed but faces a massive class jump here.
Betting Strategy
Dixie Law is the deserving favorite and appears more advanced than most two-year-olds in Ontario. However, her odds will be short. Military Time could offer value if his grass fade was surface-related. Buium represents the best value play in the field at 10-1, with a pace setup that could favor his closing style. Structure exactas with Dixie Law on top over Military Time and Buium. Include Buium in trifectas underneath.
Selections
Win: Dixie Law (2)
Place: Military Time (9)
Show: Buium (4)
Race 11 – Claiming
Post Time: 6:16 PM ET
Claiming, 3YO and Up, 6 1/2 Furlongs Synthetic, Purse $34,200, Claiming $10,000
Pace Analysis
Note that Butwaitthere’smore is on scratch watch for stewards review. This bottom-level claimer features several horses with different running styles. Hello Jello appears best positioned to track early speed and strike in the lane.
Key Contenders
Hello Jello rates as the heavy morning line favorite at 7-5 for trainer Devon Gittens with Ryan Munger aboard. The 3-year-old gelding appears well suited to this level and should prove hard to beat.
Knowing at 7-2 offers some competition for trainer W.V. Armata with Austin Adams riding. The 4-year-old gelding drops in class and could improve.
Secondary Choices
Monday Morning at 9-2 shows some ability at this level.
Field Hockey at 6-1 represents trainer John Whalen and could factor if the pace sets up.
Longshots
Yoddha at 12-1 shows limited appeal based on recent form figures.
Betting Strategy
Hello Jello appears the standout at this level. Use as a single in pick sequences with Knowing as a saver.
Selections
Win: Hello Jello (3)
Place: Knowing (1)
Show: Monday Morning (5)
Jockey Notes and Insights
Pietro Moran leads all Woodbine jockey standings by wins for 2025, becoming the first rider at Woodbine to win $1 million in earnings just 22 days into the meet. The 20-year-old apprentice, son of veteran jockey David Moran, finished 2024 with 62 wins and has continued his meteoric rise this season. His first stakes victory came in June’s Belle Mahone (G3) aboard Fashionably Fab for trainer Kevin Attard. Moran has named mounts in several races today, including O’Hearn in the maiden special weight and Buium in the Coronation Futurity.
Rafael Hernandez is a former Woodbine leading rider who has been one of the top jockeys at the track for several years. His top horses include Shaman Ghost, winner of the 2015 Queen’s Plate. He has important mounts today including Piper’s Gift in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes and Dixie Law in the Coronation Futurity.
Fraser Aebly has established himself as a rising talent at Woodbine after moving his tack from Hastings Racecourse in 2022. He secured 68 wins at Woodbine in 2023 and continues to be competitive. His important mounts today include Dunmore Beach and Military Time.
Ryan Munger has been riding consistently well at Woodbine and has several key mounts today including Katie’s Grace in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes and Deputy Curlin in the Coronation Futurity.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Mark Casse has been Woodbine’s leading trainer for over a decade, though Kevin Attard ended his 13-year reign for Trainer of the Year in 2024 by a single voting point (135-134). Casse leads current Woodbine trainer standings with 95 wins and earnings exceeding $7.7 million. He has multiple stakes runners today including Bessie Abott, Ready to Battle, Vanish, Deputy Curlin, and Military Time.
Kevin Attard won his first Sovereign Award for Outstanding Trainer in 2024 and has continued his strong form into 2025. He won the King’s Plate in August with Mansetti, his third Plate victory in four years. His stakes runners today include O’Hearn and La Culasse in the Princess Elizabeth and Buium in the Coronation Futurity.
Josie Carroll is a Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee who became the first woman trainer to win the Queen’s Plate in 2006 with Edenwold. She has since added two more Plate victories (2011, 2020) and is known for developing quality fillies. She has multiple runners today including Dunmore Beach, No Frills, Bells of Paradise, and Fleury.
Dale Desruisseaux enters as the trainer to watch today with both Dixie Law in the Coronation Futurity and Piper’s Gift in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes. His 36% win rate when stretching horses from sprints to routes is particularly noteworthy for Piper’s Gift.
Robert Tiller is a Hall of Fame trainer who has won four Woodbine training titles and three Sovereign Awards. He has Go Kart Mozart running in Race 6 and Home for a Rest in Race 9.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The two stakes races present the best opportunities for meaningful wagers on this card. In the Princess Elizabeth Stakes (Race 8), Piper’s Gift appears the legitimate favorite but Katie’s Grace at 7-2 offers value given her third-place finish against Dixie Law in the Mazarine Stakes. Ashlee B at 20-1 is the longshot play worth including in exotic wagers based on pedigree and room for improvement.
In the Coronation Futurity (Race 10), Dixie Law will be heavily bet but deserves respect as the most accomplished runner in the field. The value play is Buium at 10-1, who has the pace scenario to close into and could hit the board at nice odds. Military Time at 3-1 offers some overlay if his grass fade was truly surface-related.
Multi-race wager suggestions include using Dunmore Beach (Race 4), Regal Affair (Race 5), Piper’s Gift (Race 8), and Dixie Law (Race 10) as key horses in Pick 4 and Pick 5 sequences.
For the late Pick 5, consider: Race 7 (Bessie Abott, A Little Frisky), Race 8 (Piper’s Gift, Katie’s Grace), Race 9 (Speedy Freeze if runs, Purr Factor), Race 10 (Dixie Law, Military Time, Buium), Race 11 (Hello Jello).
Daily double plays worth considering: Race 7-8 with Bessie Abott to Piper’s Gift; Race 9-10 with Purr Factor to Dixie Law.
The best stand-alone wagers on the card are Rock Hard Rose in Race 1 (finally breaking maiden), Firecracker Fiona in Race 2, and the two stakes favorites Piper’s Gift and Dixie Law, both representing the Dale Desruisseaux barn in excellent form heading into these important two-year-old tests.
