TORONTO, January 3, 2017 – Following a brief break, live Standardbred racing resumes Saturday evening at Woodbine Racetrack for the first card of 2018. A new post time of 7:10 p.m. will be in effect when racing resumes on Saturday. The opening card of the 2018 season will feature 12-races and all the signature wagers of the Woodbine Standardbred product, including the $50,000 Pick-5, $50,000 Early Pick-4 and the Jackpot Hi-5. The Pick-5, which starts each evening on the first-race, became the most popular wager on the menu during 2017. The average Pick-5 pool during the month of December (15 cards) was $82,952. The Pick-5 pool topped $100,000 twice during the final month of 2017. Winter racing at Woodbine. (Photo by John Watkins) The new season carries with it a reset for all the stats and standings. Many drivers and trainers will be looking to make an immediate dent in the standings on Saturday evening. Doug McNair, last season’s leading driver, is listed in eight of Saturday’s 12-races. McNair will be teaming up with leading trainer Richard Moreau for three of those races. Moreau’s barn will be very active on Saturday, as they will send out 10 starters on the opening-card of 2018. The feature race for Saturday’s season-opening card will be the $27,000 10th race (Non-Winners of $34,000 last five starts). A field of seven older pacers will clash in Saturday’s top class, with five of the pacers (Fine Diamond, American Virgin, Jins Shark, Prescotts Hope and Nirvana Seelster) having a victory in the Woodbine Preferred on their record. Following Saturday’s season-opening card, live Standardbred racing will continue each Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Woodbine. To view the overnight sheet and program proof for Saturday’s card, click here. Horseplayers and fans can download free programs for each card by clicking here (Saturday’s program available Thursday afternoon). Post time Saturday is 7:10 p.m. Share This:Share
