This Saturday’s Fall Turf Showcase features four prestigious races that highlight global racing talent. The iconic event includes the Grade 1 Canadian International, the Grade 2 bet365 Dance Smartly Stakes, the Grade 3 bet365 Algonquin Stakes, and the Grade 2 Nearctic Stakes Presented by The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. This year marks the second time 2025 Eclipse Award-winning jockey Pietro Moran has competed in the Fall Turf Showcase at Woodbine. For the 1 1/16-mile Dance Smartly Stakes, Moran is riding Proctor Street. The Kentucky-bred mare is owned and bred by Patricia L. Moseley, with Brendan P. Walsh training. Proctor Street has multiple stakes wins under her belt, including the Canadian Stakes, which she won with Moran back in August. The 5-furlong Algonquin Stakes has Moran on Kentucky-bred Go for Launch. The filly is owned and bred by Blue Heaven Farm (Bonnie Baskin and Adam Corndorf) and trained by Kevin Attard. The filly has two wins in two lifetime starts. Moran is riding Gas Me Up for the 6-furlong Nearctic Stakes. Gas Me Up is owned by Exline-Border Racing LLC, Michael Jawl, Aaron Kennedy, and Tom Zwiesler. The Ontario-bred gelding was bred by Sam-Son Farm and is also trained by Attard. Gas Me Up has raced in nine stakes and won three thus far, with the most recent being the Grade 2 bet365 King Edward Stakes. The 1 ½ mile Canadian International features Moran on Dancin in Da’nile, also bred by Sam-Son Farm. Dancin in Da’nile is owned by Ralph R. Murray, John Menary, Gail Cox, and Michael Balaz, with Cox training. The gelding competed in last year’s International and placed fourth. Q: What does it mean to you to ride in all four races in the Fall Turf Showcase? A: “It means a lot. They’re all big races, and fun to be a part of. I’m grateful for all the opportunities to be a part of it.” Q: Since this is your second time participating in the Showcase, are you approaching it any differently the second time around? How do you prepare for races of this stature? “(I have) the same approach and preparation for each race. You want to go out there to the best of your ability and prepare for every race as a different one, and I’m excited to be a part of it.” “My favourite thing to do is watch replays, read the form, and run through the race a million times in my head, and for all possible outcomes too, so I’m comfortable when I’m out there riding and know what I’m doing.” Q: Could you share a few thoughts on each horse you’re riding on Saturday and why you’re looking forward to riding each of them? A: “They’re all amazing horses, and they all have a great chance, so I’m excited.” “Starting with Proctor Street, I got to ride her for the first time in the Canadian, and she won pretty impressively. I always knew she was a nice filly, watching her run in the States. I think if she brings her A-game, she’ll be tough. She’s very classy.” “Go for Launch has shown a ton of ability. I think the small field this time will help. She’s just got a ton of ability; the sky’s the limit for her. I’m excited for her.” “Then there’s Gas Me Up; this is my first time riding him in a race. I’ve been on him in the morning a few times in the past few years. His record speaks for itself, and last time, he ran a great race in the Woodbine Mile against two incredible horses. I think the chance for him to cut back doesn’t hurt him at all, especially with speed in the race. He’s always going to put his best effort.” “Dancin in Da’nile is a cool horse as well. No matter his odds, he always performs and runs right there. Obviously, it’s a tough race, but he ran fourth in this race last year, and I wouldn’t be surprised for him to be right there again.” -30- Sophie Charalambous, for Woodbine Share This:Share
