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Woodbine Racetrack presents a seven-race card on Thursday, December 4, 2025, featuring a mix of claiming races, maiden events, and an allowance optional claiming contest. Racing begins at 5:30 PM ET with a first race claiming event at 1 1/16 miles and concludes with a 5 1/2 furlong claiming sprint. The featured race of the day is Race 6, an Allowance Optional Claiming event at seven furlongs with a purse of $117,600, attracting several intriguing contenders including a graded stakes performer and a well-bred sophomore making his return from layoff.
The card includes three conditioned claiming races (Races 1, 2, and 3), two maiden events (Races 4 and 5), the featured allowance optional claiming race (Race 6), and a closing claiming sprint (Race 7). Notable scratches on the watch list include Lady Izzy from Race 1 and Alta Calibre from Race 3, both scratched by stewards, along with Serious Green from Race 4 who was scratched by the veterinarian.
Weather and Track Conditions
Toronto weather for December 4, 2025 indicates cold conditions with temperatures reaching a high of approximately 24°F (-4°C) and dropping to around 15°F (-9°C). Morning conditions may feature light freezing rain transitioning to cloudy skies by midday, clearing to sunny conditions by afternoon with winds from the west-northwest at 15-25 km/h. Snow chances exist during the morning hours at 65-77% probability, though precipitation amounts are expected to be minimal.
The Woodbine main track is a one-mile Tapeta synthetic surface designed to handle all weather conditions effectively. Tapeta provides excellent vertical drainage and remains consistent through temperature extremes, making it ideally suited for December racing in Toronto. The synthetic surface offers reduced kickback compared to traditional dirt, resulting in fairer races where horses without early speed remain competitive. Based on historical patterns, the track typically maintains a fast rating under these conditions.
Track Bias and Post Position Notes
Woodbine’s Tapeta surface has historically shown minimal bias compared to dirt tracks, though current meet statistics reveal some tendencies worth noting. At sprint distances of 6.5 furlongs on the dirt course, approximately 35% of races have been won wire-to-wire with early speed and rail positions showing advantages. The synthetic Tapeta surface was specifically designed to minimize post position bias, creating fairer racing conditions across all distances.
For route races, the rail and inside positions tend to produce favorable results, particularly when horses can establish position early without excessive speed duels. The 7-furlong distance shows 34% wire-to-wire winners with early speed types and rail positions performing well. Handicappers should note that closer types can win at Woodbine’s Tapeta surface when the pace collapses, as the reduced kickback allows horses to make sustained moves from off the pace.
Race 1: Claiming – 1 1/16 Miles (Tapeta)
Post Time: 5:30 PM ET
Purse: $52,400 | Claiming Price: $25,000 | For Fillies and Mares 3YO and Up, NW2L
Pace Analysis
This route claiming event should feature contested pace with Lady Izzy and Nicki Is a Breeze both capable of showing speed. Lady Izzy profiles as the fastest early horse in the field with a lead-type running style, while Mia Mitole has shown a slower lead pattern in recent starts. Bella Classica prefers to settle mid-pack before making a deep closing move, and this style could benefit her if the pace becomes heated. The projected pace scenario suggests moderate-to-honest fractions, setting up favorably for horses with tactical speed who can secure position without excessive effort.
Key Contenders
Lady Izzy enters off a fifth-place finish when cutting back to seven furlongs on November 8 after dropping in class. The three-year-old filly by Higher Power gets back to her preferred distance of 1 1/16 miles today where she has shown her best efforts. Trainer Sid C. Attard maintains solid 13% win and 39% in-the-money rates at the current meet, and the addition of apprentice Fraser Aebly in the irons provides useful weight relief at 119 lbs. However, note that Lady Izzy appears on the scratch watch due to stewards’ action.
Bella Classica showed nothing after a tardy start when cutting back from a route to a sprint last Thursday but stretches back out to 1 1/16 miles today, the distance of her front-running score two starts back. Trainer Danny Yu maintains impressive 28% strike rate second-time off a claim going back five years with a strong $3.15 ROI. The three-year-old filly by Classic Empire carries 121 lbs with Ryan Munger aboard.
Majestic Appeal did not run badly at all despite finishing seventh for $40,000 in her return from Assiniboia on November 21 and figures to be very live at this claiming level. The four-year-old filly by Practical Joke gets significant class relief and should be forwardly placed from post 6.
Secondary Choices
Nicki Is a Breeze has been racing well for $15,000 despite not having the best trip luck in recent starts. She now makes her first start off of a claim on November 6 and draws inside where she could be forwardly placed. The three-year-old filly gets apprentice Pietro Moran in the saddle at 114 lbs and has hit the board in 38% of career starts with solid consistency numbers (23% win projection, 48% place, 73% show).
Mia Mitole returns off a winning effort at this distance and class level, demonstrating the slowest lead running style in the field. While she has just a 6% career win rate, she has shown improvement in recent outings at this distance.
Longshots
Aussie Hyper was a one-paced fifth in the Ashbridges Bay Stakes 13 days ago and should appreciate the significant class relief dropping into the claiming ranks. The Ontario-bred filly by Hyper profiles as a slower closer and may need a pace collapse to get involved late at 12-1 morning line.
Selections
Win: Bella Classica
Place: Majestic Appeal
Show: Nicki Is a Breeze
Race 2: Conditioned Claiming – 6 1/2 Furlongs (Tapeta)
Post Time: 6:02 PM ET
Purse: $26,200 | Claiming Price: $5,000 | For F&M 3YO and Up, NW3L or NW Since 12/4/24
Pace Analysis
Lady Moonshine projects as the fastest stalker in the field and should secure excellent tactical position just off the pace. Cinnamon Bits set the pace last out and figures to show early speed from the rail. The pace scenario appears moderate with no true speed demons in the field, which should favor horses with tactical ability who can produce a sustained run through the lane.
Key Contenders
Lady Moonshine exits a good runner-up finish in an open $7,500 race behind the pacesetting Lois Len. If she can run back to that effort, she should be tough against these conditioned $5,000 foes. The seven-year-old mare by Milwaukee Brew shows the fastest stalker profile with 17% career win rate and 45% in-the-money percentage. Trainer W.V. Armata maintains 10% wins from 20 starts at the meet. Doug McPherson designates this as his Best Bet of the card.
Googly Eyes raced three-wide over a rail-biased track last time when fourth on the drop to this bottom $5K conditioned class. This third start off an extended layoff could be a peak one for the six-year-old mare, who is sent out by second-leading trainer Martin Drexler for leading owner Bruno Schickedanz. Drexler shows 19% win rate and 48% in-the-money at the current meet.
Secondary Choices
Cinnamon Bits set the pace but was second behind the class-dropping She Takes Cash in a $10,000 route 11 days ago. She cuts back to a sprint and halves in value here. Drawing the rail provides tactical advantage for the five-year-old mare who could control the early tempo.
Lemoncella Spritz drops in class after competing at higher levels and adds the services of leading jockey Pietro Moran. The three-year-old filly by Shaman Ghost for trainer Kevin Attard carries just 117 lbs and represents a dangerous threat from off the pace.
Liam’s Awesome was closer to the pace than she wants to be and ran a non-threatening fourth for $10,000 on November 6. She should be running on late for a share here.
Longshots
Ala Turka hit the lead in deep stretch but was outkicked by repeat winner Kavala on November 13. Often slow out of the gate, she may appreciate the added weight relief with 10-pound apprentice Christoff Douglas in the saddle at 112 lbs.
Selections
Win: Lady Moonshine
Place: Googly Eyes
Show: Cinnamon Bits
Race 3: Conditioned Claiming – 6 1/2 Furlongs (Tapeta)
Post Time: 6:34 PM ET
Purse: $34,200 | Claiming Price: $10,000 | For F&M 3YO and Up, NW3L
Pace Analysis
This event should feature moderate pace with no overwhelming speed threats. Sterling Heights can show tactical speed while Alta Calibre typically stalks before making her move. Holiday Rose profiles as a closer who rallied for second last out. The pace scenario favors stalkers with the ability to sustain runs through the stretch.
Key Contenders
Alta Calibre waited until she was out of jail and ran back for $10,000 on November 13 after being claimed for that price in late September, crushing her competition when stretching out to a route. She remains at the $10,000 level and now cuts back to a sprint, looking very capable of earning her third consecutive win here. Trainer Kevin Whiteley and jockey Leo Salles combine for this filly who has been in impressive form. Note that Alta Calibre appears on the scratch watch due to stewards’ action.
Anita Margarita was a winner at this distance on turf in July and has routed in all three of her starts since. She gets some class relief here and looks quite competitive. The five-year-old mare by Unified carries 123 lbs with Ryan Munger aboard.
Sterling Heights was a non-threatening third, 3 1/2 lengths behind Holiday Rose last time. She is a frequent check earner and is likely capable of better than what she offered last out. The three-year-old filly gets significant weight relief at 114 lbs with apprentice Pietro Moran in the irons.
Secondary Choices
Holiday Rose was a rallying second behind the lone speed Misty Eyed on November 6. A repeat of that effort will put her in the hunt here. Trainer Angus Buntain sends out the three-year-old filly with Austin Adams aboard at 116 lbs.
Moventothecountry drops in class and gets Fraser Aebly aboard at 119 lbs. The Michael Mattine trainee could offer value at 6-1 morning line odds.
Longshots
Zipfire gets significant weight relief at 113 lbs with apprentice Christoff Douglas and drops from higher claiming levels. The Dale Powell trainee could improve at a price.
Selections
Win: Alta Calibre (if runs) / Anita Margarita (if scratched)
Place: Sterling Heights
Show: Holiday Rose
Race 4: Maiden Claiming – 6 Furlongs (Tapeta)
Post Time: 7:05 PM ET
Purse: $27,400 | Claiming Price: $7,500 | For Maiden F&M 3YO and Up
Pace Analysis
Fedorova profiles as a fast lead type who set the pace and gave way late last out. La Ronde has shown a fast lead style in her better efforts. The pace scenario could develop into a contested duel, potentially setting up for stalkers and closers to run past tired leaders in the stretch.
Key Contenders
Fedorova set the pace and gave way late to be third for $10,000 on October 16. She gets some class relief and should be forwardly placed again. The four-year-old filly by Souper Speedy carries 119 lbs and has shown 21% win and 33% place projections. Trainer John P. LeBlanc, Jr. pairs with leading jockey Pietro Moran.
Serious Green re-adds blinkers for the first time since last year on the heels of a decent third-place effort on October 30. She has hit the board in half of her 14 starts to date. Note that Serious Green appears on the scratch watch due to veterinarian action and equipment changes show blinkers on.
She’s So Croatian pressed the pace and flattened out to be fifth while racing off the inside on a very inside-favoring track on November 20. She has been competitive more often than not lately and looks logical. The three-year-old filly by Maximum Security gets Slade Jones aboard at 119 lbs.
Secondary Choices
Lady On the Nile has shown competitive efforts in recent starts for trainer Sid C. Attard and gets Fraser Aebly aboard. The three-year-old filly by Thousand Words could offer value at 8-1 morning line.
La Ronde was pulled up on October 20 when racing on the Fort Erie dirt, a surface she has shown an absolute disdain for. She was a good second on the turf there two back and did run third for $25,000 over the Tapeta in her debut; could be a live longshot.
Longshots
Closing Appeal was a stalker type who finished third at odds last out and could offer value at 12-1 with Emma-Jayne Wilson aboard for trainer Frank Huarte.
Ryo Amazing has shown stalker tendencies and carries 119 lbs at 10-1 morning line. The Pat Parente trainee has earned money in 8% of career starts.
Selections
Win: Fedorova
Place: She’s So Croatian
Show: Lady On the Nile
Race 5: Maiden Special Weight – 6 Furlongs (Tapeta)
Post Time: 7:35 PM ET
Purse: $115,100 | For Maidens 3YO and Up
Pace Analysis
Cajun Influence was pressed on the lead while fighting the rider last out, suggesting he should control the pace from the rail today. Baccaro Point makes his debut and his running style remains unknown. The pace scenario suggests Cajun Influence should have clear command of the lead with minimal pressure.
Key Contenders
Mew N Me swung wide and finished gamely to be beaten a neck by Ginger Zip on November 15. She takes on the boys here but does not look out of place. The three-year-old filly by Mitole carries 118 lbs and shows the highest Equibase Rating (72) in the field. Trainer Alexander F. McPherson pairs with Fraser Aebly for this filly who should appreciate the six-furlong distance.
Cajun Influence was pressed on the lead while fighting the rider and gave way to be a non-threatening third on November 23. He wheels back quickly and could be the controlling speed from the rail. Trainer Michael P. De Paulo pairs with Pietro Moran for this three-year-old gelding by Bucchero at 116 lbs. De Paulo shows 11% wins and 40% in-the-money at the current meet.
Lover Boy Mo saved ground and ran on past Cajun Influence to finish second on November 23; contender. The three-year-old gelding by Good Samaritan gets Jason Hoyte aboard at 121 lbs for trainer Sylvester Ollivierre.
Secondary Choices
Baccaro Point is by 13% debut sire Mitole, out of a mare who has produced Grade 3-placed Runaway Diva and recent debut winner Yukon Striker. He debuts off of a worktab that is not eye-catching but that is the standard for trainer Lorne Richards’ barn. First-time starters from this barn warrant respect.
Peace Offering adds blinkers for the first time and gets class relief. The three-year-old gelding by Silent Name carries 116 lbs with Austin Adams aboard.
Longshots
Alpha Gamma Girl has shown modest form in her starts and carries 121 lbs at 10-1 morning line. The four-year-old filly by Souper Speedy could offer value if the favorites falter.
Selections
Win: Mew N Me
Place: Cajun Influence
Show: Lover Boy Mo
Race 6: Allowance Optional Claiming – 7 Furlongs (Tapeta)
Post Time: 8:05 PM ET
Purse: $117,600 | AOC $50,000 | For 3YO and Up
Pace Analysis
The Great Oz set the pace en route to a winning effort but was disqualified for drifting out and interfering with another foe when racing at this level on November 14. Babbo dropped in for $32,000 and was a comfortable front-end winner on November 14. With both horses wanting the lead, the pace could become contested early, setting up for closers like Society’s Thunder and Megalodon.
Key Contenders
Society’s Thunder exits a very game fourth (placed third via disqualification) in the Grade 2 Kennedy Road Stakes on November 15, finishing behind graded stakes winner Nobals. The versatile six-year-old gelding by Society’s Chairman has not run a bad race all year and should be right there again. Trainer Dominic J. Polsinelli pairs with Daisuke Fukumoto for this consistent performer who has improved his record to 4 wins, 6 seconds, and 8 thirds in 30 starts.
The Great Oz set the pace en route to a winning effort but was disqualified from first to second for drifting out and interfering when racing at this level on November 14. He has crossed the wire first in three of his last four starts but may not have as easy a time on the lead here with Babbo also wanting to go forward. Trainer Martin Drexler shows 19% wins at the current meet.
Megalodon makes his first start since June when finishing third behind Mansetti after a rough start in the Grade 3 Marine Stakes. The three-year-old colt by Medaglia d’Oro was an impressive N2L winner in May for Hall of Fame trainer Josie Carroll, who shows 19% wins and 40% in-the-money at the meet. Rafael Hernandez, currently leading jockey with 135 wins, gets the call.
Secondary Choices
Babbo dropped in for $32,000 and was a comfortable front-end winner on November 14. He was able to run second at this level three back; we’ll see if he can outsprint The Great Oz early. Trainer Sid C. Attard pairs with Austin Adams for this four-year-old colt by Kantharos at 118 lbs.
Summer Commander shows solid Equibase Rating (85) and has been consistent in recent starts. The four-year-old gelding by Silent Name gets Fraser Aebly aboard at 123 lbs for trainer Stuart C. Simon.
Longshots
Ironstone gets David Moran aboard at 123 lbs and shows an Equibase Rating of 77. The six-year-old horse by Mr Speaker could offer value at 10-1 if able to secure a good trip.
Selections
Win: Society’s Thunder
Place: Megalodon
Show: The Great Oz
Race 7: Claiming – 5 1/2 Furlongs (Tapeta)
Post Time: 8:35 PM ET
Purse: $26,900 | Claiming Price: $5,000 | For F&M 3YO and Up
Pace Analysis
This short sprint should feature speed horses battling early. Cymbal Court, Souper Sunday, and My Cash Factor all possess enough tactical speed to compete for the lead. The pace scenario could become contested, potentially setting up for horses who can rate just off the pace and sustain their moves through the short stretch run.
Key Contenders
Souper Sunday lacked much finish when finishing fourth for $15,000 behind a lone speed winner on November 20. A good-looking though bias-aided winner for $10,000 three back, she should be very live jamming in for $5,000. Trainer Dominic J. Polsinelli pairs with Daisuke Fukumoto for this five-year-old mare by Souper Speedy at 125 lbs.
Cymbal Court had a rough break and failed to fire in the same race that Souper Sunday exits. The fourth-place effort she ran for $10,000 two back would have her in the hunt here. Trainer Devon Gittens pairs with Eswan Flores for this five-year-old mare by Munnings at 125 lbs. Gittens shows 16% wins at the current meet.
Quiet Maddelena was finishing well when third behind Love You Lippy for $7,500 on October 30. She is at her best on the lead but has not been going to front recently; we’ll see if she goes back to that style. The Steven Chircop trainee gets Da-Sean Gaskin aboard at 121 lbs.
Secondary Choices
My Cash Factor had a tough post and failed to fire when facing starter/optional $15,000 foes on November 15. She was a winner against more comparable company two back; blinkers are added. The three-year-old filly by The Factor gets Fraser Aebly aboard at 123 lbs. Equipment change shows blinkers on.
Shamra gets Keveh Nicholls aboard at 123 lbs and has shown decent form at this level. The Philip Hall trainee could contend at 6-1 morning line.
Longshots
Really Thirsty gets Jason Hoyte aboard at 123 lbs and is listed at 12-1 morning line. The four-year-old filly by Stay Thirsty could offer value if she improves off her recent efforts.
Blazing Sky raced wide and failed to fire in her most recent start but was in decent form before that; fringe player. The 10-pound apprentice Christoff Douglas provides weight relief at 111 lbs.
Selections
Win: Souper Sunday
Place: Cymbal Court
Show: Quiet Maddelena
Jockey Notes and Insights
Rafael Hernandez leads all jockeys at the current Woodbine meet with 135 wins from 594 starts, achieving a 23% win rate and 49% in-the-money percentage. His $8.5 million in purse earnings demonstrates his consistency in quality mounts. He rides Megalodon in Race 6, representing the day’s featured allowance contest for Hall of Fame trainer Josie Carroll.
Pietro Moran stands second in the jockey standings with 132 wins from 784 starts at 17% win rate and 48% in-the-money. The 20-year-old apprentice became the first rider at Woodbine to reach $1 million in earnings just 22 days into the 2025 meet. He has four mounts today including Fedorova (Race 4) and Sterling Heights (Race 3). His five-pound weight allowance provides valuable relief in competitive claiming events.
Fraser Aebly ranks fourth in the standings with 88 wins at 15% win rate and 43% in-the-money. He has developed strong partnerships with several leading barns including Josie Carroll and Sid C. Attard. Today he rides Mew N Me in the feature maiden special weight race.
Ryan Munger has recorded 75 wins at 15% win rate and 46% in-the-money percentage. He gets the call on Bella Classica in Race 1 for trainer Danny Yu, who has shown impressive second-off-claim statistics.
Austin Adams has 38 wins at 10% win rate from 385 starts. He rides several contenders today including Lady Moonshine (Race 2), Holiday Rose (Race 3), and Babbo (Race 6).
Trainer Notes and Insights
Mark Casse leads all trainers with 96 wins from 485 starts at 20% win rate and 51% in-the-money, though he has no entries on today’s card.
Martin Drexler ranks second with 74 wins from 390 starts at 19% win rate and 48% in-the-money. He saddles The Great Oz in Race 6 and Googly Eyes in Race 2. His combination with jockey Eswan Flores shows 24 wins at 22% strike rate.
Kevin Attard has 63 wins at 16% win rate from 390 starts, earning over $5.6 million in purses. He sends out Lemoncella Spritz in Race 2. His partnership with Pietro Moran has produced 33 wins at 18% strike rate at the current meet.
Josie Carroll, the first woman trainer to win the Queen’s Plate (2006, 2011, 2020), shows 35 wins from 184 starts at 19% win rate. She sends out Megalodon in Race 6 for his first start since the Marine Stakes. Her partnership with Fraser Aebly shows 19 wins at 19% strike rate.
Sid C. Attard has 28 wins at 13% win rate from 209 starts. The Hall of Fame trainer, who has won over 1,700 career races, sends out Lady Izzy (Race 1, if runs), Lady On the Nile (Race 4), and Babbo (Race 6).
Danny Yu has shown impressive numbers second-time off a claim with a 28% strike rate and $3.15 ROI historically. He sends out Bella Classica in Race 1 making her second start after being claimed.
Devon Gittens ranks fifth with 38 wins at 16% win rate from 233 starts. He trains Cymbal Court and Really Thirsty in Race 7.
Dominic J. Polsinelli conditions Society’s Thunder (Race 6) and Souper Sunday (Race 7), both of whom are live contenders in their respective races.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
Race 2 presents the strongest betting opportunity on the card with Lady Moonshine designated as the Best Bet by track handicapper Doug McPherson. At 5-2 morning line, she offers solid value based on class relief and her recent runner-up effort against open company. A straight win bet is recommended, with exacta boxes including Googly Eyes and Cinnamon Bits.
Race 1 value play centers on Bella Classica, who should appreciate the stretch out to 1 1/16 miles where she won impressively two starts back. Trainer Danny Yu’s strong second-off-claim statistics (28% win rate, $3.15 ROI) provide confidence at 7-2 morning line.
Race 6 offers multi-race wagering opportunities with three legitimate contenders. Society’s Thunder off his graded stakes effort represents the most consistent runner, while Megalodon brings class but layoff concerns. The Great Oz has won three of four starts but faces pace pressure today. A trifecta box or exacta wheels using these three makes sense.
Race 5 maiden special weight provides an interesting angle with Mew N Me taking on males. Her narrow loss to Ginger Zip suggests she has the ability to compete, and females have won at this level previously. At 2-1 morning line, she represents a solid win bet.
Pick 3 Suggestion (Races 5-6-7): Key Mew N Me in Race 5 with Society’s Thunder and Megalodon in Race 6 with Souper Sunday and Cymbal Court in Race 7. This provides coverage of the strongest contenders while maintaining manageable ticket cost.
Pick 4 Suggestion (Races 4-5-6-7): Use Fedorova and She’s So Croatian in Race 4, Mew N Me and Cajun Influence in Race 5, Society’s Thunder and Megalodon in Race 6, and Souper Sunday and Cymbal Court in Race 7 for a 16-combination ticket.
Daily Double (Races 6-7): Wheel Society’s Thunder with Souper Sunday, Cymbal Court, and Quiet Maddelena for value coverage in the closing sprint.
