Inside Track for November 15-16

Repeat performance

Determined to defend his $175,000 bet365 Kennedy Road Stakes (G2) crown, Nobals left it all on the all-weather track to make it a successful mission.

Teamed with rider Rafael Hernandez, the bay son of Noble Mission (GB)–Pearly Blue capitalized on a patient approach with a fervent charge down the lane for the half-length triumph.

Nobals’ 13^th win from 30 starts was his fourth graded stakes badge, joining a list headlined by the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1T).

Bred in Kentucky by Dr. John A. Chandler, Nobals was a $3,500 (U.S.) purchase at the 2020 Fasig-Tipton Fall Yearling Sale.

As the 4-5 choice in the Kennedy Road, he paid $3.80.

Digging in

Semper Liber (a Latin phrase meaning “always free”) kicked off Woodbine’s weather-shortened Sunday card with a bang, holding on by a nose, after leading throughout the card’s first race, to secure his maiden score, at 13-1.

With Fraser Aebly in the irons, the 2-year-old son of Reload–Hannah Sue held a narrow advantage – the largest margin being a half-length – at each checkpoint going into the sprint for home.

Facing heavy pressure from 21-1 rival Bongino Warrior with the wire closing in, Semper Liber dug in to thwart the challenge and prevail with grit.

Trained and co-owned by Krista Cole, Semper Liber paid $29.70.

Smooth score

Imyourmedicineman gave his connections plenty to be excited about, taking Sunday’s third at Woodbine in front-running fashion to notch his maiden-breaking victory.

Making just the second start of his young career, the rookie Shaman Ghost bay didn’t hide his winning intentions, hopping out to an early lead and never looking back for the smooth 2 ¾-length score.

Imyourmedicineman, who was bred in Ontario by Jon Hyka, completed the 1 mile and 70-yard contest 1:45.05.

Sent off as the 3-1 choice for owner Oh Em Gee Stable and trainer Harold Ladouceur, Imyourmedicineman paid $8 even.

Stay tuned

Live racing continues Thursday with a first post of 5:30 p.m.