‘Date’ with the winner’s circle Save the Date made her first start of the year at Woodbine a memorable one with a dominant display in Saturday’s fourth. Under rider Fraser Aebly, the 5-year-old daughter of Where’s The Ring—No Wonder led throughout the 5 1/2-furlong sprint to reach the wire a commanding 10 1/2 lengths ahead of her nearest foe. Trained by Patrick Dixon for breeder/owner Colebrook Farms, Save The Date has been a mainstay on the podium to begin 2026 with five straight top three finishes (1-2-2). At 9-5 on Saturday, she paid $5.60. Save the Date. Michael Burns Photography Reigning supreme Coming off a career year in 2025, trainer James Begg picked up right where he left off, sending out the top two finishers in Saturday’s sixth. Pageant Queen came out on the winning side of the 1-6 Begg exacta that was completed by fellow sophomore filly, Sipping History. The two-length triumph was the Point of Entry chestnut’s second from seven lifetime starts (2-2-2; $141,283) for owners Jeff Begg, Annabel Begg and Upland Flats Racing. She paid $6.20 as the 2-1 choice, while the $2 1-6 exacta paid $26.50. Pageant Queen. Michael Burns Photography The ‘Great’ one Veteran TEC Racing roan The Great Oz (6-1) capped off Woodbine’s eight-race Sunday with a lion-hearted triumph in the program’s final fixture. Competing for trainer Katerina Vassilieva, the 8-year-old Liam’s Map gelding took an assertive five-length advantage into the turn for home and held firm against a late rally from 13-1 rival Wyoming Bill for the 1 ¼-length decision. It was the first trip to the winner’s circle this season for The Great Oz, who has been Mr. Reliable thus far with a pair of seconds and a third from four starts (1-2-1). Now standing at 42: 8-13-4 lifetime ($406,793), the Great Oz paid $14.90. The Great Oz. Michael Burns Photography Share This:Share
