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Woodbine presents an eight-race card on Thursday evening, November 20, 2025, with first post at 5:30 PM EST. The card features a mix of claiming races, starter optional claiming events, and optional claiming contests, with purses ranging from $26,200 to $63,800.
Racing continues as scheduled following recent weather-related adjustments earlier in the month. The Tapeta synthetic surface underwent cultivation at 3.5 inches depth earlier in November, ensuring optimal racing conditions for tonight’s card.
The synthetic surface eliminates the variable conditions common with traditional dirt tracks, providing consistency throughout the evening. Cold weather racing at Woodbine typically produces slower overall times but maintains fair racing surfaces that reward tactical speed and proper positioning.
Weather and Track Conditions
Evening temperatures are expected around 5°C with mist conditions transitioning from earlier mainly sunny skies. The daytime high reached approximately 6°C before cooling as racing approaches.
The Tapeta synthetic surface remains in excellent condition following recent maintenance work. This all-weather surface combines sand, rubber, and fiber to create a resilient and cushioned track that minimizes injuries and enhances performance consistency regardless of temperature fluctuations.
Track conditions are listed as fast, with the synthetic surface providing its characteristic consistency. The cold November temperatures will not significantly impact the racing surface, though overall times may be slightly slower than during warmer months.
Post position statistics indicate inside posts hold slight advantages in sprint distances, particularly at 6.5 furlongs where the rail wins 15 percent of races, post 2 wins 12 percent, and post 3 wins 11 percent. In route races, the synthetic surface tends to be more democratic with no significant post position bias.
Speed bias is less pronounced on Tapeta compared to dirt surfaces, allowing for competitive racing from various running styles. The surface rewards tactical speed and position more than pure early pace pressure, creating opportunities for stalkers and closers to compete effectively with front-runners.
1st Race – 5 1/2 Furlongs Claiming
Post Time: 5:30 PM EST
This claiming event for three-year-olds and upward which have never won two races features seven runners at the sprint distance. The $5,000 claiming level with weight allowances creates competitive betting opportunities.
Pace Analysis
Come On Big Lou figures to establish early control from the rail with his fast leader running style. Conacher adds pace dimension from post 2, setting up a contested early tempo. The speed duel between these two should create opportunity for closers in the stretch.
Key Contenders
Come On Big Lou enters as the morning line favorite at 5-2 with Jose Luis Campos aboard. This three-year-old gelding brings tactical speed and draws the favorable rail position. Handicappers rate this one as the top selection with strong win probability.
Conacher represents solid value at 3-1 morning line odds with Keveh Nicholls in the irons. This three-year-old gelding has shown consistency with a 27-53-80 profile and fits the pace scenario as a stalker who can press the leader. The combination shows an 18 percent win rate with 27 percent in-the-money frequency.
Secondary Choices
Chunky Monkey brings experience as a seven-year-old gelding for trainer Julia Samulak. Juan Crawford takes the mount on this mid-pack runner who could benefit if the pace collapses. Recent form suggests competitiveness at this claiming level.
Very Debonaire warrants consideration at 7-1 morning line with Skye Chernetz riding for Devon Gittens. This six-year-old gelding runs at 123 pounds and has earned over $84,000 lifetime. The trainer shows a 55 percent in-the-money rate, suggesting this stable knows how to get horses competitive.
Selections
Win: Come On Big Lou
Place: Conacher
Show: Very Debonaire
2nd Race – 5 1/2 Furlongs Starter Optional Claiming
Post Time: 5:59 PM EST
This starter optional claiming event for fillies and mares features nine runners who have previously started for $7,500 or less. The $40,700 purse and optional claiming structure at $15,000 creates competitive class dynamics.
Pace Analysis
Multiple fillies bring speed to this contest, with Hard to Capture and Love You Lippy both capable of establishing position. The pace should be honest without being suicidal, setting up for tactical speed horses and those who can rate just off the leaders.
Key Contenders
Tabloid Material rates as the top selection at 3-1 morning line with Pietro Moran aboard for Kevin Attard. This four-year-old filly has shown recent form improvements and the trainer-jockey combination ranks among Woodbine’s elite. Handicappers identify this one as best value.
Souper Sunday offers solid credentials at 7-2 with Jose Luis Campos riding for Dominic Polsinelli. This five-year-old mare brings consistency and fits well against this group. The 123-pound impost reflects competitive form.
Secondary Choices
Cymbal Court represents Devon Gittens with Fraser Aebly in the saddle. This five-year-old mare at 123 pounds has tactical speed to stay involved. The Aebly-Gittens combination shows solid statistics at the meet.
Garnet and Gold provides value at 4-1 for trainer Anthony Adamo with Juan Crawford aboard. This four-year-old filly has shown improvement and the weight assignment of 121 pounds suggests competitiveness in this spot.
Selections
Win: Tabloid Material
Place: Souper Sunday
Show: Cymbal Court
3rd Race – 1 1/16 Miles Optional Claiming
Post Time: 6:28 PM EST
This optional claiming route features allowance horses and those running for a $40,000 tag. The $63,800 purse and mile-and-sixteenth distance separate true routers from one-dimensional runners.
Pace Analysis
The route distance should produce a moderate early tempo with horses settling into position through the first turn. King Rosso and Holiday Snooze both possess tactical speed to establish favorable stalking positions. The extended distance favors those who can rate kindly and finish.
Key Contenders
King Rosso draws overwhelming support from handicappers at 5-2 morning line with Pietro Moran riding for Kevin Attard. This four-year-old gelding at 119 pounds has demonstrated route capability and the powerful Attard barn has this one primed. The weight concession provides additional advantage.
Holiday Snooze offers strong value at 3-1 for Danny Yu with Ryan Munger aboard. This three-year-old gelding at 120 pounds has shown improvement and fits the distance profile. The younger horse receives weight from older rivals.
Secondary Choices
Lonny’s Gamble represents an intriguing option at 6-1 with Rafael Hernandez aboard for Josie Carroll. This three-year-old colt has tactical speed and the Hernandez-Carroll combination shows 27 percent win rate with 50 percent in-the-money frequency. The timing of the rider change suggests intent.
Yorkton’s Honour brings breeding appeal as a three-year-old gelding at 3-1 for Sid Attard with Jalon Samuel riding. The connections suggest capability and the gelding has room for improvement at this stage of development.
Longshots
Political Warfare deserves exotic consideration at 8-1 with Slade Jones aboard. This five-year-old gelding brings experience at the distance and could benefit from a favorable pace scenario.
Selections
Win: King Rosso
Place: Holiday Snooze
Show: Lonny’s Gamble
4th Race – 1 1/16 Miles Claiming
Post Time: 6:57 PM EST
This $25,000 claiming route for three-year-olds and upward features eight runners navigating the mile-and-sixteenth distance. The weight allowances and claiming conditions create tactical wagering opportunities.
Pace Analysis
Malibu Mambo brings pure front-running style that should establish early control. Ever Dangerous and Palio both possess stalking ability to track the pace without expending excessive energy. The route distance allows for pace development and strategic positioning.
Key Contenders
Malibu Mambo earns top selection at 3-2 morning line despite trainer Michael Doyle showing zero wins from 12 starts. This eight-year-old gelding has the speed to control tempo and David Moran knows how to rate a horse on the front end. Recent workouts suggest readiness.
Lasting Silence provides excellent value at 3-1 for Dale Desruisseaux with Pietro Moran aboard. This three-year-old gelding at 118 pounds gets significant weight relief and has tactical speed to stay involved throughout. The combination of youth and weight advantage creates appeal.
Secondary Choices
Ever Dangerous brings veteran experience as an eight-year-old gelding for Martin Drexler. Rafael Hernandez takes the mount at 123 pounds and this one has the fastest stalking style to track the pace. Drexler’s 19 percent win rate at the meet commands respect.
Palio offers value at 7-1 for Sarah Ritchie with Fraser Aebly riding. This seven-year-old gelding has earned over $446,000 lifetime and the trainer shows 25 percent win rate with 50 percent in-the-money frequency. The experience factor matters in claiming races.
Selections
Win: Malibu Mambo
Place: Lasting Silence
Show: Ever Dangerous
5th Race – 6 1/2 Furlongs Claiming
Post Time: 7:26 PM EST
This $15,000 claiming sprint for three-year-olds and upward which have never won two races features nine runners at six-and-a-half furlongs. The distance tests speed and stamina in equal measure.
Pace Analysis
Multiple runners bring speed to this contest with Drake Drive and Tiger Town both capable of establishing early position. The extended sprint distance requires horses to rate properly while maintaining position. Pace pressure should be significant through the opening half-mile.
Key Contenders
Drake Drive rates as the top selection at even money with Jose Luis Campos aboard for Darren Glennon. This four-year-old gelding at 125 pounds has the speed to establish favorable position and the class to hold off challengers. The morning line suggests strong public support.
Stirling Castle offers value despite question marks about vulnerability as the favorite. This three-year-old gelding earned the highest last-out figure but steps up to face winners for the first time. Eswan Flores rides for William Tharrenos at 123 pounds.
Secondary Choices
Captivating Name represents legitimate contention at 4-1 with David Moran aboard for Michael Doyle. This three-year-old gelding makes just his second start against winners after a wide move last out. The intent shown by the lower claiming tag and upgraded jockey suggests readiness.
Tiger Town brings appeal as a three-year-old colt at 121 pounds for John Coryat with Rafael Hernandez riding. The weight relief and tactical speed create opportunity in this competitive sprint.
Longshots
Alpha Kadin deserves exotic consideration at 12-1 with Dane Nelson aboard for Kerron Palmer. This four-year-old gelding at 123 pounds has shown flashes of ability and could benefit from pace dynamics.
Selections
Win: Drake Drive
Place: Captivating Name
Show: Stirling Castle
6th Race – 1 1/16 Miles Optional Claiming
Post Time: 7:55 PM EST
This optional claiming route for fillies and mares which have never won three races features seven runners. The $63,800 purse and allowance conditions create competitive opportunities at the distance.
Pace Analysis
Spun Around figures to establish tactical position from the rail with her running style. The route distance allows fillies and mares to settle into rhythm before making their moves in the stretch. Pace should develop moderately with strategic positioning crucial.
Key Contenders
Spun Around draws universal support from handicappers at 2-1 morning line with Fraser Aebly riding for Stuart Simon. This three-year-old filly draws the rail and has tactical speed to control her own destiny. Multiple expert sources identify this one as best bet on the card.
Good as Gone offers value at 5-2 with Pietro Moran aboard for Nicholas Nosowenko. This five-year-old mare at 117 pounds gets weight relief and has proven route capability. The combination of experience and weight advantage creates appeal.
Secondary Choices
Periwinkle represents Dominic Polsinelli with Jose Luis Campos in the saddle. This three-year-old filly at 120 pounds has shown improvement and fits the class level. The connections suggest competitiveness.
Snatched brings appeal with Emma-Jayne Wilson aboard for Michael De Paulo. This three-year-old filly has tactical ability and the veteran rider knows how to navigate route races on the Tapeta surface.
Selections
Win: Spun Around
Place: Good as Gone
Show: Periwinkle
7th Race – 1 1/16 Miles Starter Optional Claiming
Post Time: 8:24 PM EST
This starter optional claiming route for horses which have started for $5,000 or less features seven runners. The $36,300 purse and $10,000 optional tag create competitive dynamics at the mile-and-sixteenth distance.
Pace Analysis
Tiz Romantic and Lobby Bar both bring tactical speed to establish position through the early stages. The route distance allows horses to settle before making their closing moves. Pace should be moderate with positioning crucial entering the far turn.
Key Contenders
Tiz Romantic rates as the top selection at even money with Rafael Hernandez riding for Steven Chircop. This seven-year-old gelding at 121 pounds has route experience and the proven ability at this claiming level. The veteran knows how to navigate the distance.
Three Sonny Sideup offers excellent value at 7-2 with Pietro Moran aboard for Richard Morden. This five-year-old gelding at 116 pounds gets significant weight relief and has tactical ability to stay involved. The weight advantage creates appeal.
Secondary Choices
Lobby Bar represents Renee Kierans with Fraser Aebly riding. This six-year-old gelding at 123 pounds has the speed to establish position and proven route capability. The connections suggest competitiveness in this spot.
Grey Princess brings appeal as a five-year-old mare at 118 pounds with Ryan Munger aboard for Danny Yu. The mare has tactical speed and fits the class level after recent conditioning.
Selections
Win: Tiz Romantic
Place: Three Sonny Sideup
Show: Lobby Bar
8th Race – 6 Furlongs Maiden Claiming
Post Time: 8:53 PM EST
This maiden claiming sprint for fillies and mares features nine runners seeking their first career victory. The $10,000 claiming level and six-furlong distance create uncertainty typical of maiden races.
Pace Analysis
Multiple fillies bring speed to this maiden contest with Strawberry World and That’s a Fact both capable of establishing early position. Maiden races often produce uneven pace dynamics as inexperienced horses learn to rate properly. The six-furlong distance requires tactical speed.
Key Contenders
Tanzanite Lily draws strong support at 2-1 morning line with Pietro Moran riding for Sid Attard. This three-year-old filly has shown improvement in recent workouts and the powerful Attard barn excels with developing horses. The trainer’s statistics suggest capability.
She’s So Croatian offers value at 3-1 with Slade Jones aboard for Zeljko Krcmar. This three-year-old filly at 119 pounds has tactical ability and fits the maiden claiming level. The weight relief suggests competitiveness.
Secondary Choices
Sweet Valentine represents Barbara Minshall with Ryan Munger riding. This three-year-old filly at 119 pounds has shown training progress and the connections suggest readiness for maiden breakthrough.
That’s a Fact brings appeal as a four-year-old filly at 122 pounds for Nicholas Nosowenko with Daisuke Fukumoto aboard. The older filly has experience advantage over younger rivals.
Selections
Win: Tanzanite Lily
Place: She’s So Croatian
Show: Sweet Valentine
Jockey Notes and Insights
Rafael Manuel Hernandez leads Woodbine jockeys with 125 wins and earnings exceeding $6.7 million in 2025. His 21 percent win rate and 43 percent in-the-money frequency make him the most consistent rider at the meet. Hernandez rides Lonny’s Gamble in Race 3, Tiger Town in Race 5, and Tiz Romantic in Race 7.
Pietro Moran ranks second at the meet with 124 wins and over $5.4 million in earnings. His tactical ability on the synthetic surface makes him particularly effective in route races. Moran has mounts in Races 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8, demonstrating his demand among trainers.
Fraser Aebly has recorded 80 wins with a 15 percent win rate and 43 percent in-the-money frequency. His $4.1 million in earnings reflects quality mounts from top barns. Aebly rides in Races 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7, including key mount Spun Around in Race 6.
Jose Luis Campos has established himself at Woodbine after debuting in 2022, securing 16 wins in his first season with over $743,000 in purse earnings. His tactical ability with speed horses makes him effective in sprint races. Campos rides Come On Big Lou in Race 1, Souper Sunday in Race 2, Drake Drive in Race 5, and Periwinkle in Race 6.
Emma-Jayne Wilson brings veteran savvy and route race expertise. Her ability to navigate traffic on the synthetic surface creates value, particularly in longer races. Wilson rides Snatched in Race 6 and Lil Bit Gangsta in Race 7.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Martin Drexler leads Woodbine trainers with 91 wins from 479 starts, posting a 19 percent win rate and 48 percent in-the-money frequency. His earnings of $3.3 million reflect consistent quality. Drexler has runners in Races 2, 4, and 7.
Kevin Attard ranks among elite trainers with 61 wins from 379 starts, showing 16 percent win rate and 47 percent in-the-money frequency. His $4.2 million in earnings demonstrates ability to compete at highest levels. Attard saddles King Rosso in Race 3 and Tabloid Material in Race 2.
Sid Attard has proven expertise developing young horses, with strong statistics in maiden and allowance races. His ability to spot horses in appropriate conditions creates value opportunities. Attard trains Yorkton’s Honour in Race 3, Nikita’s Gem in Race 6, and Tanzanite Lily in Race 8.
Nicholas Nosowenko demonstrates consistency with developing fillies and mares. His placement decisions show strategic thinking, particularly in optional claiming situations. Nosowenko trains Love You Lippy in Race 2 and Good as Gone in Race 6.
Michael Mattine shows 31 percent win rate with strong in-the-money frequency at 62 percent. His tactical placement and rider selection create competitive advantages. Mattine saddles Posturing in Race 4 and Ride for the Purse in Race 5.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The Race 6 optional claiming route presents the strongest single-race wagering opportunity with Spun Around drawing universal handicapper support. The three-year-old filly rates as best bet on the card with Fraser Aebly aboard from the rail.
Race 3 offers exacta value with King Rosso and Holiday Snooze representing different tactical approaches. The optional claiming structure creates competitive dynamics where class separates. Using both in exacta combinations with Lonny’s Gamble underneath provides coverage.
Race 2 starter optional claiming presents Pick 3 opportunities linking Tabloid Material through to King Rosso in Race 3 and multiple options in Race 4. The Kevin Attard-Pietro Moran combination in Race 2 creates foundation for multi-race sequences.
Race 5 claiming sprint offers trifecta value with Drake Drive, Captivating Name, and Stirling Castle representing different running styles. The pace dynamics create opportunity for upset outcomes in trifecta combinations.
The late Pick 4 beginning in Race 5 provides tournament value. Singling Drake Drive in Race 5 and Spun Around in Race 6 creates foundation, then spreading in Races 7 and 8 where maiden claiming uncertainty creates value.
Win bets offer value on Lonny’s Gamble in Race 3 at 6-1 morning line with Rafael Hernandez and Josie Carroll combining at 27 percent win rate. The rider change timing suggests intent and the class level fits.
Place betting on Captivating Name in Race 5 provides safety with upside. The wide move last out showed ability and the class drop with upgraded jockey suggests competitive effort at minimum.
Exacta boxes connecting trainer Martin Drexler runners with top jockeys create statistical edges. His 19 percent win rate combined with Rafael Hernandez or Pietro Moran creates foundation for horizontal wagers.
The Race 8 maiden claiming finale offers value in trifecta combinations using Tanzanite Lily on top with She’s So Croatian and Sweet Valentine. The Sid Attard-Pietro Moran combination provides confidence in maiden races where uncertainty reigns.
