Bred by the late Bill Graham, the daughter of Classic Empire was expected to come for the Woodbine Oaks but she stays in the U.S.
Woodbine Oaks
Eight hopefuls will meet on Saturday in this key prep for the July 24th $500,000 feature at Woodbine Racetrack.
The top contenders for the Aug. 21 Plate have lots of questions, but new faces are appearing; Oaks leader Moira getting close to 2022 opener.
Rich Strike, claimed for $30,000 in September at Churchill Downs, upsets the 148th Kentucky Derby at 80-to-1.
Graded stakes winner Messier, headed for the Santa Anita Derby Apr. 9, sped in a Santa Anita workout; 'Daydream' roars into Oaks picture.
The lucrative 2022 program offers more than $16.9 million in stakes events, including 37 graded stakes and two $1 million classics.
The Oaks was run in a much faster time than the Trial, but received a lower Beyer Speed Figure as confusing Plate draws near.
Ten gals line up for the Oaks, with three other stakes races on the card including the $150,000 Plate Trial which only attracted four.
The lure of a $500,000 purse for a Canadian-bred 3-year-old filly, plus a modest crop, may ensure a big field.
American-breds won the two graded stakes races for 3-year-olds at Woodbine on July 10 and 11, but Tio Magico scoots in Queenston.
And Oaks contender Munnyfor Ro impresses as runner-up to Our Flash Drive in Selene Stakes for trainer Kevin Attard.
Saturday features the fillies in two stakes races, the Selene and Fury; on Sunday the boys battle it out in the Marine and Queenston.
American-based colts rated highly on Plate contenders' list, while light Woodbine Oaks list has just 26 fillies.
Stakes races this weekend will be extremely important for horses heading to the Plate and Oaks in August. It's crunch time!
A (very) early guide to the leading players for the Plate and Woodbine Oaks for 2021, set for August at Woodbine.
