Today is a monster day of meaningful thoroughbred action with stakes-laden cards across the country, as well as north of the border in Canada. Yes, that is right, in addition to the big cards at Belmont, Keeneland, and Santa Anita, there are four graded stakes races in succession up at Woodbine Race Track led by the Canadian International (G1). To celebrate the big day for one of our partners, 1/ST BET and Xpressbet are running a Money-Back Special offer on all four stakes. Just register for the new promotion and receive a refund of your first Win bet up to $10 if the horse you bet to Win finishes second or third. Here is how I am approaching the four stakes events.


Race 6: Dance Smartly (G2)
There is a noticeable lack of early speed signed on in this year’s Dance Smartly, so being prominently placed appears to be a tactical advantage. #2 Power of Destiny was never going to attempt to make the lead last out in the Canadian (G2) due to the presence of Lupa drawn to the inside, but should have no issue making the front in this spot under jockey Ryan Munger. The 5YO mare was also competing off just ten days rest in her last start, but comes in fresh today having not raced since mid-August. Given the insurance of the Money-Back Special and the likely race shape, Power of Destiny appears to be a solid consideration to kick off the Saturday stakes action.

Play: #2 Power of Destiny (10-1 ML)
Picks: 2-5-1


Race 7: Algonquin (G3)
#2 Lou’s Room is not the likeliest winner of this five-furlong event over the Inner Turf, but the promotion makes him worth serious consideration at his 10-1-ML offering. This son of Epicenter debuted against rival #6 Excessif at Colonial Downs with the latter having the advantage of a race at Saratoga under his belt. In that first start, Lou’s Room was shuffled back during the middle stages losing position and a few lengths before showing some grit to re-rally and lose by three lengths in the end. The George Weaver trainee was unable to seal the deal in his next start two weeks later at Saratoga, but finished second beaten a neck under jockey Manny Franco. Weaver is 4 for 14 when shipping horses to Canada dating back to 2023 and this colt should sit a perfect pocket trip under Sahin Civaci.

Play: #2 Lou’s Room (10-1 ML)
Picks: 2-4-5


Race 8: Nearctic (G2)
#5 Gas Me Up enters this six-furlong affair for 3YOs+ over the grass having competed in two-turn turf races in his last four starts. He won the King Edward (G2) by a nose, so it is difficult for me to fault trainer Kevin Attard for the decision, but I always thought this gelding was best served as a late running turf sprinter. Perhaps that is because his effort in the Joe Hernandez (G2) was eye-popping last December, but regardless I am looking forward to seeing him come with a huge late run again over this turf course. Attard finds a strong spot for the six-time winner who should get an honest pace to chase.

Play: #5 Gas Me Up (2-1 ML)
Picks: 5-2-4


Race 9: Canadian International (G1)
This year’s Canadian International is expected to be bet as somewhat of a three-horse race between #1 Arabian Crown, #3 Purrview, and #5 Ancient Egypt. I lack a strong opinion other than that one will very likely cross the wire first, but I give the slight nod to Ancient Egypt. Of the three European invaders, this son of Frankel has a race in North America already under his belt. The Charlie Johnston conditioned colt broke a bit flat-footed from his inside draw at Saratoga in the Christophe Clement (G1), settled off a slow pace, and then moved wide into the lane before flattening out. He had put in two strong runs in Europe prior that run in New York and should rebound in a big way after gaining the invaluable experience in mid-August. Regular rider David Egan is set to get the leg up once again.

Play: #5 Ancient Egypt (2-1 ML)
Picks: 5-1-3