Big name horses from the US and Europe have begun to arrive at Woodbine for the massive racing weekend Sept. 14 and 15 which is headed by the $1 million WOODBINE MILE (Grade 1) a Win and You’re in Race for the Breeders’ Cup. The weekend also features the Northern Dancer Stakes (G1) at 1 1/2 miles on turf, the Canadian (G2) for fillies and mares and the Win and You’re In 2-year-old stakes, the Summer and Natalma, both Grade 1’s.
OLD PERSIAN is a big name in town. This bay 4-year-old by Dubawi, owned by Godolphon Management Co. and trained by Charlie Appleby, has earned $4 million and won two Group 1’s in Dubai this winter. He is also a Group 2 winner in England.
The colt starts in the Northern Dancer (typically a lead-in to the Grade 1 Canadian International next month) which should have a field of 10-11. He will battle for favoritism with Canadian bred TIZ A SLAM, the Tiznow fellow from Chiefswood Stable and trainer Roger Attfield who was won three straight graded stakes races on the grass.
GOT STORMY, the Grade 1 winning filly who will be favoured in the Woodbine Mile, zipped 4 furlongs on the EP Taylor turf in 48 breezing on Saturday for the Mark Casse team at Woodbine. Tyler Gafflione will be back to ride the daughter of Get Stormy.
HOLY HELENA, the Queen’s Plate winner-turned graded stakes winner on turf, should be favoured in the Canadain Stakes. She recently won the Dance Smartly Stakes for Stronach Stables and trainer Jimmy Jerkens.
The Godolphin 2-year-old filly FAIR MAIDEN is the top one for the Natalma after her huge win in the Catch a Glimpse Stakes at Woodbine. The Street Boss gal won by 7 1/2 lengths.
In the Summer Stakes, the Ontario bred KEEP ON TRUCKIN’ unbeaten after two lopsided sprint wins on Tapeta, will be exciting to watch in his grass and one-mile debut. The son of Society’s Chairman will be up against some nice ones including the fancy New York colt MYSTIC LANCELOT (Into Mischief) from the Todd Pletcher barn.
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