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Inside Track for October 18-19

October 20, 2025

A look at some of the top highlights from the past weekend of racing at Woodbine.

Trail Blazer

Chiefswood Stables’ Borealis Trail impressed in his first taste of graded stakes action, stopping the clock in 1:50.88 to take the $150,000 Ontario Derby (G3), Saturday at Woodbine.

Moving off the turf after a valiant runner-up effort in the Breeders’ Stakes on Sept. 28 at Woodbine, the bay son of Quality Road–Aurora Lights exercised great patience leading into the upper stretch, where he fanned away from the rail and turned on the jets.

Borealis Trail, under rider Jose Campos, took control of the 1 1/8-mile contest with 100 yards to go, and never looked back for the two-length tally.

Sent off as the 6-1 fifth choice in the wagering, Borealis Trail (2-1-1; $181,866) paid $14.90.

Borealis Trail and Jose Campos. Michael Burns Photography

South Ocean

Zabarta saved the best for last in a spectacular triumph of the $100,000 South Ocean Stakes on Sunday at Woodbine.

Leaving the starting gate at 13-1, the chestnut daughter of Abarta–Zazinga trailed the field of eight into the turn before angling out past the five-sixteenths marker. Geared up for a final push, Zabarta unleashed a devastating kick for home, pulling away from the pack for the commanding 7-length decision.

The remarkable display earned rider Desean Bynoe and owner Tara Horse Farm (Thomas Knizat) their first career stakes victories.

Bred in Ontario by Cyril Simek and trained by Bill Tharrenos, Zabarta paid $29.50.

Zabarta and Desean Bynoe. Michael Burns Photography

Sustained Raleigh

Reload Raleigh’s will to win was tested every step of the way in Sunday’s $100,000 Frost King Stakes, but the freshman Reload gelding refused to relent in a gritty score by a head.

In search of his first stakes conquest after a maiden-breaking half-length win last time out, also at Woodbine (Sept. 14), Reload Raleigh grabbed the lead after the opening quarter and played fierce defense for the remainder of the seven-furlong dash.

A spirited challenge from 4-1 rival Silver Is Best in the late stretch almost flipped the outcome, but Reload Raleigh maintained his lead just long enough.

Purchased for $10,268 (USD) by owner Kevin Drew, the chestnut, bred in Ontario Jon Hyka, paid $9.10.

Reload Raleigh and Ryan Munger. Michael Burns Photography

Stay tuned

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

 

 

 

 

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