Handicapper and racing analyst Doug McPherson offers his insight on each horse in Sunday’s ninth race, the Woodbine Oaks, on July 20 at Woodbine. Race 9 (5:20 p.m. ET) McPherson’s $20 bet: $20 win on #1 War Signal Race 9 – The Woodbine Oaks #1 War Signal (pictured below) – Took on the boys in the Marine, led into the stretch and ended up sixth by two lengths. Likely to be covered up behind speedier stablemates this time. #2 Nata Trouble – Stalked and faded when routing in the Selene. I don’t think the added distance does her any favours. #3 Ella It Is – A front-end winner against OS/$40,000 non-twos on June 1, she was never involved in the Selene and looks outclassed here. #4 Innisfree Isle – Wide trip sprinting in her debut but was able to put it together when stretching out on June 21, beating next-out winner Workout Affair. Worth a look. #5 Shifty – Got an easy lead and coasted to win an N2L allowance by 9 ½ lengths before finishing a chasing third in the Fury. Her Princess Elizabeth effort was deceptively strong; if she can return to peak form, she is a threat. #6 R Canadian Apple – Maiden was a non-threatening fifth behind Innisfree Isle on June 21; not today. #7 Reveler’s Row – Debut winner tried today’s distance in an N1X/$32,000 where she led most of the way and was beaten a half-length. Could have more in reserve with a target this time. #8 No Time – Coasted on the lead to win an N2L, then raced rank when trying to take back in the Selene. Probably going to be outsprinted by faster stablemates so she will need to be more settled this time. #9 Crystal Visions – A troubled third in the Princess Elizabeth last year, she stretches back out here off of a good effort and could hit the ticket at a price. #10 Aristella – Made a bid on the turn but finished evenly in the Fury. The Princess Elizabeth winner should appreciate stretching back out to a route for the first time this season. #11 Winterberry – Responded to a challenge after setting the pace to win the Fury. Arguably the most talented of the Casse entrant, she will need to keep her head together to last the nine-furlong trip. #12 D’aurum – Maiden is hindered with the far outside draw and will need a bit of a miracle to be a threat. War Signal, seen here winning on December 7, 2024, at Woodbine. Michael Burns Photography. Share This:Share
