A look at some of the top highlights from the past weekend of racing at Woodbine. ‘Snow’ in the forecast Summer Snow got the ball rolling this past Saturday at Woodbine, holding firm to take the opening tilt on the Toronto, ON oval’s nine-race card. With Sofia Vives in the irons, the 7-year-old daughter of Flatter–Blithely carried a three-length advantage past the stretch and persevered against a late challenge from 4-5 choice Happy Valentine to reach the wire three-quarters-of-a-length clear. The stout showing in her 29th start pushed Summer Snow above the $100,000 career purse earnings mark (7-3-1; $101,250). Trained by Julie Mathes for owners Joseph and Charles Loiacano, Summer Snow (3-1) paid $8.90. Summer Snow. Michael Burns Photography A dash of ‘Pepper’ It was a sizzling season debut for veteran mare Chipotle Pepper, who confidently bested six foes in Saturday’s fourth. Under the steady hand of rider Emma-Jayne Wilson, the 6-year-old daughter of Big Screen–Hot Cross Buns controlled the 6 ½-furlong sprint through the quarter and never looked back en route to a decisive 4 ¼-length victory. Chipotle Pepper now stands at 6-1-3 with over $144,000 banked across 25 lifetime starts. Grant Colbourne trains the reliable roan, who he bred with Box Arrow Farm and co-owns with The Estate of Shirley Prosser. At 6-1 Saturday, she paid $14. Chipotle Pepper. Michael Burns Photography Mrs. ‘Blue’ Sky Dakotah Blue is officially on the board after completing the hearty comeback in Sunday’s third at Woodbine. In just her second start – and first of the season – the 3-year-old Mendelssohn filly, under Jose Campos, tracked down favourite Lake Louise at the quarter pole and edged away to secure the maiden-breaking triumph by 1 ¼ lengths. A $25,000 purchase at the 2023 Keeneland Association November Breeding Stock Sale, Dakotah Blue has reeled in $34,426 from two starts for owner Flying Zee Stables. At 5-2, the dark bay, trained by Rachel Halden, paid $7.60. Dakotah Blue. Michael Burns Photography Share This:Share
