Woodbine’s backstretch is now open, the training track is in use and the main track Tapeta is set to open March 11. There are still many stables still south of the border, however, and one of the biggest horse stars of 2023 is set to make his four-year-old debut this Sunday, March 10, in Florida.
King’s Plate winner PARAMOUNT PRINCE (Society’s Chairman) is entered in an optional claiming race ($25,000) at 1 1/8 miles on the Tapeta at Gulfstream Park for owners Mike Langlois and Gary Barber. Trainer Mark Casse has been preparing the chestnut gelding at Gulfstream Park on its Tapeta surface. Irad Ortiz will ride Paramount Prince from post 1 in a competitive field which includes another Canadian classic winner, Heste Sport’s SIR FOR SURE, winner of the 2022 Breeders’ Stakes. The race is the 9th on Sunday.
A number of Canadians and Woodbine-based horsepeople were in Barbados recently for the 41st Sandy Lane Gold Cup (G1), won by Gay Smith’s Portfolio Company. Trainer Ted Holder sent out Woodbine invader Pat’ssewingmachine to be a good third in the race under jockey Rocco Bowen.