How to bet the Canadian International with Sheri Riddoch

Bring on the shippers!!!!! Always fun when we get Euro invaders to compete locally as it just adds a whole new element to the handicapping puzzle. We have been fortunate this year to have amazing weather to carry us into October and with no rain in the forecast, we should get a nice, firm turf course.

Historically, shippers have owned this race, Joshua Tree was a three-time winner, Desert Encounter won back-to-back in 2018-19, and 2023 defending champion (we didn’t run this race last year) is back and will break from the far outside in post 10.

However, this group is contesting a three-turn mile and a half over a tighter turn course which changes the complexion of the whole race, which we have seen over the last month. I am looking for an upsetter, but do respect the Appleby/Godolphin connection, so let’s take a closer look at a few participants:

#4 Tawny Port 6-1

Unlucky son of Pioneerof the Nile hasn’t had a victory since the John’s Call in 2023 at Saratoga, but has put out some REALLY big efforts, losing by a neck four times against tough competition, so I won’t hold that against him. Arrives here off back-to-back runner-up efforts a week apart stakes at Kentucky Downs, putting down matching 96 Beyers. Adds Lasix and should be able to secure a nice stalking position from that inside draw which may allow him to get the jump on the other closers. Civaci gets the call for Miguel Clement who strikes at 21% in graded stakes in 2025 (0/3 locally). Jockey knows this course, which is also advantageous for this fella who just may be sitting on a break out race – could surprise at a nice price as I do think he will float higher than his morning line.

#6 Tosen Wish 15-1

Massive effort in the Singspiel with a very crafty ride by Fraser Aebly to finish runner-up to Haunted Dream, looking like he had more yet to offer. Steadily improving 6-yea-old gelding looks to be really finding himself and passed the test on the step up in class with flying colours. His stablemate My Boy Prince should keep the pace honest and out of the Casse trio, I think he has the best chance and should be a square price.

#1 Haunted Dream 4-1

Crushed it in the Singspiel looking like a winner at every point in the race and wouldn’t be surprised to see him double up here. Very professional effort adapting well to his surroundings and this inner course which provides him with an advantage over other shippers in the field. Love that he drew that inside post in this larger field of 10, and keeps Rafael Hernandez who is riding with confidence after winning Breeders’ Stakes (third jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown, run over this course at this same distance) last weekend aboard Tom’s Magic, who had to really work as the favorite with race dynamics and strategy really coming into play.

#10 Nation’s Pride 1-1

Classy 6-year-old defending champion (2023) drew a challenging post and with this race being run over a different course than the E.P Taylor where he was last victorious, the inner oval and three turns, presents a new dynamic for him and questions to answer. New pilot in the very capable Billy Loughnane as William Buick didn’t make the trip, so why not take a shot against him on top as with the Appleby win rate of 50% when shipping in to Woodbine for G1’s, he shouldn’t be much of a price.

Plays:

$20 Win: #4 Tawny Port – $20

$2 ex 1,4,6/10 – $6

$1 tri box 1,4,6,10 – $24

Good luck!!!