TORONTO (May 15, 2025) – The Ruling Angel Stakes (Race 7 on Saturday at Woodbine) has shaped up to be a real corker of a race from a wagering perspective with every horse warranting a chance, along with a variety of different angles that could come into play. Here are the top three who have caught my attention and why: #2 Somethinabouther (6-1) – shipper from the Brendan Walsh barn was victorious here in November taking down the G3 Mazarine when adding Lasix (which she adds back for this event). Had a flat effort in the Bourbonette Oaks but the winner of that event – Bless the broken – ran a monster third in the Kentucky Oaks in the slop firing an 87 Beyer. She is a closer but there are a few front-running types in here so the pace should be honest enough, attracted talented apprentice Pietro Moran to ride – top selection and will get my $20 win bet especially if she keeps her 6-1 morning line. #8 War Signal (2-1) – coming in off back-to-back routing wins on the engine throwing down respective Beyers of 76 & 74. War of Will filly will have company up front but is cutting back in distance which should work to her advantage, Casse strikes at 17% going route to sprint in non-graded stakes competition ($1.20 ROI) in the last 60 months. She’s been working well upon her return home including a bullet May 1st, jockey/trainer duo is always dangerous and Civaci was in the irons for her runaway maiden score in December. #9 Brindi (IRE) (5-2) – looking for back-to-back stakes victories after her gate to wire score in the Star Shoot stakes throwing down a career best Beyer of 76. She will have War Signal to deal with on the pace along with possible wildcard Hibiscus if they decide to keep the same tactics. Stretches out to this distance for the first time which does give me some hesitation – however she must be respected after her last victory. Trainer Kelsey Danner wins at a 15% clip with last out winners over the last 5 years for an ROI of $1.99. Other entrants that are intriguing and could really offer some value: #3 Hibiscus (10-1) – homebred for LNJ Foxwoods took a lot of money on debut at Keeneland but was a handful on the lead and ended up checking in last. She should benefit from that experience however the victor Double Velocity was a disappointing 8th in her next outing, shortens up and switches surfaces for this second career start where trainer clicks at 25% the last 5 years ($1.92 ROI). Her sire Constitution has a 14% win rate on the synthetic surface with an AWD of 7.2 furlongs. Mixed feelings about her and she is a real wildcard that could shake up the running of this race. #7 Aristella (8-1) – she worked for every bit of her victory in the Princess Elizabeth overcoming a very wide trip and a pedestrian pace. Shifty, who finished 4th, came back and rolled in her season opener stamping herself as an Oaks contender. Like that she adds first time Lasix and Husbands sticks with her which speaks volumes as he doesn’t ride for this barn often. She may need one off the layoff and the distance is a question for me. Trainer Rachel Halden finishes ITM 52% of the time for an Avg Payoff of $13.70 with the 61-180 day layoff. #10 Crystal Visions (20-1) – was 3rd to Aristella in the Princess Elizabeth and could be a sneaky player here as she had trouble in that race lacking room when heading into the stretch but finished well to edge out the above-mentioned Shifty for the show position. Victorious on debut last July and lone blemish on her record was dud on the grass in the Catch a Glimpse, jockey/trainer duo is 0/11 in the last year, but she could catch a share if a wicked pace transpires and the price just may be right. Sheri Riddoch, for Woodbine Share This:Share
