The lower level of racing this past week at Woodbine opened the door for many smaller stables to pick up big purses for their wins.

Larry Falloon sold the sale-topper at last week's CTHS Manitoba yearling sale for $24,000 to Anne Champion.

The son of Flatter was represented by his first winner when War Emperor rallied to victory in his career debut at Woodbine.

Henry Witt Jr. and Jerry Gourneau won their first Canadian Derby with their recent claim, Quarry, bred by Claiborne Farms.

The original field was whittled from eight to four and the Saffie Joseph Jr. trainee powered through to win the $175,000 Saturday feature at Woodbine.

After helping secure additional funding of $35m per year for the industry, Gaughan said the time was right to move on after his contract expires in October.

The three-time Sovereign Award winner received her long-awaited call to the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.

Hoping to follow-up her Hendrie Stakes triumph, the mare is one of three Mark Casse trainees entered, including last year's winner.

The catalogue features 198 Canadian-bred yearlings, with some of the leading stallions in the US and Canada represented.

The $200,000 Saturday feature has a competitive 12-horse field, and there are three other big stakes on Derby Day.