There are 40 graded stakes races scheduled to run in Canada, down one from a year ago, that being the Grade 1 Canadian International.
Pattison Canadian International
On a day of mind-bending longshot winners, Godolphin's classy Walton Street crushed the field as the odds-on choice in the Grade 1 Pattison.
Casse sends out a trio in Mile; Desert Encounter looks to capture three consecutive International victories at Woodbine.
The Sept. 18 Mile is a Win and You're In race for the Breeders' Cup; the Pattison International is also on Saturday.
Woodbine Entertainment is targeting June 18 (or earlier) as a start date for the Thoroughbred season; Queen’s Plate remains on August 22.
All Grade 3 stakes purses have been increased by 20% to $150,000 as the Thoroughbred racing season is set to open April 17th.
Among the changes to the abbreviated 2020 stakes season at the Etobicoke track is the cancellation of the Grade 1 Canadian International.
With both Grade 1 turf races at Woodbine filled with overseas invaders, let's try sorting out how they stack up against the North Americans
Pattison Canadian International favourite Ziyad is ready to go for this weekend’s race, as it is announced Canadian-bred Tiz a Slam will sit this one out.
Lone Canadian-bred Tiz a Slam not entered; last year's winner Desert Encounter expected to be favoured in small field for $800,000
Contenders Ziyad and Alounak are both looking for a big win in the 2019 Pattison Canadian International, at Woodbine Racetrack this weekend.
Pumpkin Rumble and Pivoine both have their sights set on winning the 2019 Pattison Canadian International, at Woodbine Racetrack this weekend.
Last year's Pattison Canadian International winner Desert Encounter is riding a three stakes winning streak; Nessy is among the main challengers.
Europeans expected to land early next week to battle for the three Grade 1 turf races at Woodbine on Oct. 12; Desert Encounter seeks repeat in PCI.
Top Euros Kew Gardens and Communique also nominated; Canadian-bred Tiz A Slam seeks to become first Canuck to win prestigious race in two decades.
