Welcome back to Woodbine racing! Saturday, post time 1:10 p.m.

Saturday’s Best Bet:  (3) AMBER LIGHT – RACE 7

Saturday’s Longshot Play:  (5) SNEAKY REBEL – RACE 9

 

RACE 1:  6 – TAKE IT EASY; 2 – TICKLE HER TOE; 3 – MIDNIGHT MEADOW; 4 – SILVER TUNES

The 67th season’s curtain raiser should be won by the Vito Armata-trained mare TAKE IT EASY with apprentice Sophia Vives riding.

Take It East is the only multiple winner in a race that is a non-winners of 3 otherwise. She won her 2020 season debut at a short distance, drops in class for this opener and her April 8 breeze time was super. Tickle Her Toe ended 2022 on a high note.

Remember, the Daily Double begins with a pair of 4 1/2 furlong races.

 

RACE 2:  5- CHASING JOY; 2- MY FINAL TRICK; 4- MI TORMENTA; 1- MORE SAVVY

CHASING JOY is new to Woodbine and she won 5 races in 2022 at Gulfstream while being claimed many times. Current trainer Martin Drexler has yet to win with her but she should enjoy the shorter distance and the company. Both MY FINAL TRICK (no whip) and MIA TORMENTA own on opening day of 2022!

 

RACE 3:  5- CANADIANSWEETHEART; 4-  CELTIC REVIVAL; 1- FOREST MAIDEN; 2- FAST’N SEXY

It could be back-toback winners for the Martin Drexler barn, which had a strong campaign this winter and was one of the top barns where in 2022. CANADIANSWEETHEART has won 4 races in her career including her 2023 opener (through DQ) at Gulfstream. Expect very low odds. Trainer Steven Chircop has Celtic Revival here and both this filly and the trainer had a nice winter.

 

RACE 4:  7- LEGS LIKE GIZMO; 3 – SWOOP; 8 – WICKEDBLACKBULLET; 9- MENDELJOHN (IRE)

From the first crop of his sire, champion Amis Gizmo, Legs Like Gizmo was scheduled to begin his career last June but was scratched at the gate. He has been given plenty of time and his prep times in Florida and here have been solid.

Have to give SWOOP a look. He worked fast for a juvenile sale last June and he has 2 siblings who won first time out.

 

RACE 5:  5- JAB; 2 – I’M A BOURBON GIRL; 3 – THEODOROPOULOS; 6 – HEKLA’S AURA

One of two 5-year-old maidens in this field of gals going 5 furlongs, JAB was 2nd in a race last fall in a good effort, albeit at a longer distance. She is worth a look. The speedy sophomore I’m a Bourbon Girl and Florida raced ‘Theo’ are logical.

 

RACE 6:  14 – VERDEJO 6- BASALT STREET; 12- BOTTA SWING; 3 – FIRENSPICE; 

Trainer Kevin Attard has a strong hand. VERDEJO drew in from the also eligible list and she won her 2022 season debut by more than four lengths. She is the first call for jockey Rafael Hernandez, who was also named on Firenspice. Winter-raced BASALT STREET is a neck away from winning her last three races and she has a nice post and speed to track. Botta Swing broke the track record in her career debut a year ago. Firenspice is good enough on her best but her latest in Florida was dull.

 

RACE 7:   3- AMBER LIGHT; 6 – ALLEN DIGGES; 7 – MIDNIGHT MOONSHINE;  1- TAZMAN

AMBER LIGHT was a recent purchase this winter by Dura/Doyle from Stronach Stables and this older horse was trained by Doyle for the one outing in his career. He showed good speed in that debut and two recent workout times have been strong.  ALLEN DIGGS is very quick and overdue for his maiden win.

 

RACE 8:  3 – MAGNILOQUENT; 6 – SPEEDY RIVER; 1- LIVIN ON LUV; 5 – SPANISH BEAUTY

Trainer Wesley Ward usually wins a few races in the spring at Woodbine. He has 3 in today and this gal looks very likely, she is extremely quick and much faster than these.

 

RACE 9:   4 -KNOW HOW (GB); 7 – TOO MUCH VINO; 5 – SNEAKY REBEL; 8 – MURDER HORNET; 1 – QUIET MADDELENA

Tricky race to end the day and I actually like the top 4 picks almost equally. I have Vito Armata winning the first race and last. KNOW HOW drops back to the claimed price and she has a win at the distance. Too Much Vino won big on dirt in Florida but was deemed unsound after the race (voided claim). Sneaky Rebel  won her 2022 opener and will love the short distance and Murder Hornet continues to improve.