It is the 22nd edition of the G1 Ricoh Woodbine Mile and the Toronto staple has a roll of honor which features some of the best turf horses in recent memory – most notably Wise Dan and Tepin. As has become the norm, a solid European contingent has once again made the trip, although it’s worth noting the pair who line up here were delayed in Amsterdam due to transportation issues.

By Candice Hare

  TOP PICK #9 STORMY ANTARCTIC (GB) (Stormy Atlantic – Bea Remembered (GB), by Doyen (IRE))

Running Style: Closer
Trainer: Ed Walker
Jockey: Gerald Mosse
Owner: Mr. P. K. Siu

On form the two European runners are very comparable, but it’s likely that Stormy Antarctic goes off the longer price of the two despite quietly having had a very solid season. After winning the G2 Badener Meile in Germany, he ran close to a career best when second to multiple G1 winner Benbatl in a stronger than typical edition of the G1 Grosser Dallmyer-Preis. He was only half a length off of MGSW Beat The Bank at Goodwood, as well. Both him and Lord Glitters look well placed here, as the North American turf mile form leaves something to be desired this year. Of the pair, however, Stormy Antarctic is campaigned by connections who are less known in North America and for that reason is more likely to slide somewhat under the radar. Don’t be fooled, however, as Ed Walker is one of the best when it comes to spotting his horses on big days.

  TOO HARD TO TOSS OUT #7 OSCAR PERFORMANCE (Kitten’s Joy – Devine Actress, by Theatrical(IRE))

Running Style: Stalker
Trainer: Brian Lynch
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Owner: Amerman Racing LLC

It wouldn’t be surprising to see Oscar Performance ultimately go off favored in this race, but I’m a bit wary off of his two performances this season. I’ve found it difficult to trust the times or form of the turf races held at Belmont Park this year and he was vanned off after being pulled up in the Arlington Million. Thankfully, all turned out well on the health front for the son of Kitten’s Joy. Oscar Performance’s three-year-old season was nothing short of stellar, but he’ll need to find that form here in order to take the prize.

  TOSS!! #3 DELTA PRINCE (Street Cry (IRE) – Delta Princess, by A.P. Indy)

Running Style: Stalker
Trainer: James Jerkens
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Owner: Stronach Stables

While capable of winning this race, Delta Prince has to be tossed purely for value purposes unless he were to go off at an unlikely large price (4-1+). The talent is there, but he takes money every single time he runs. In fact, in his nine career starts, he’s never been sent off at larger than 7-2! Sure, he’s never finished off the board, but he in no way, shape or form towers over this field enough on form or figures to warrant going off as short as he’s likely to in this.

  #6 LORD GLITTERS (FR) (Whipper – Lady Glitters (FR), by Homme de Loi (IRE))

Running Style: Closer
Trainer: David O’Meara
Jockey: Jamie Spencer
Owner: Geoff and Sandra Turnbull

Like Stormy Antarctic, Lord Glitters has been in the form of his career this season and he consistently runs to his mark. Trainer David O’Meara should be familiar to North Americans as he’s had success on this side of the pond with G1 winners Mondialiste and Suedois. For that reason, he’ll take more money than he should, however, so we’ll try to work our way around him in horizontal wagers.

  LONGSHOT PLAY #4 VANISH (Algorithms – Elusive Hope, by Elusive Quality)

Running Style: Mid-pack
Trainer: Vito Armata
Jockey: Ademar Santos
Owner: Eight Star Racing Stables

The lightly raced Vanish has always been a consistent type, but he showed a new level when he made his first start for the Vito Armata barn. Upped to G2 company for the first time, he ran a game second behind Mr Havercamp despite looking very uncomfortable over the yielding surface. Back on firm footing, don’t be surprised if he takes yet another step forward on the Woodbine lawn, over which he has a sparkling 4: 2-1-1 record.

 

Additional Woodbine Mile Card Handicapping Guides:
Gr.2 Canadian Stakes
Gr.3 Bold Venture Stakes
Gr.1 Northern Dancer Turf Stakes
For more information visit WoodbineEntertainment.com