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Weekend Notables and Quotables (May 20-21)

May 22, 2023

25th time is the charm

Hard-knocking 5-year-old Grand Gizmo broke his maiden in Saturday’s first race. The son of Giant Gizmo came into the 1 1/16-mile race with an 0-5-4 mark from 24 starts. Breaking sharply from the gate, the bay gelding built up a big lead and then held on to win by a length.

Grand Gizmo and jockey Omar Moreno winning race 1 on May 20, 2023 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photos)
Grand Gizmo and jockey Omar Moreno winning race 1 on May 20, 2023 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photos)

Easy ‘Ryder’

Ryder Ryder Ryder, under Patrick Husbands, dashed away from her rivals in Saturday’s $100,000 Ruling Angel Stakes, converting a one-length lead at the stretch call into a seven-length stunner. Owned by Live Oak Plantation, the 3-year-old filly is now 2-1-0 from three starts.

Ryder Ryder Ryder and jockey Patrick Husbands winning the Ruling Angel Stakes Presented by Ketel One on May 20, 2023 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)
Ryder Ryder Ryder and jockey Patrick Husbands winning the Ruling Angel Stakes Presented by Ketel One on May 20, 2023 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)

Making a statement

Pennick, a 2-year-old daughter of Hard Spun, made a dazzling debut for owners Al and Bill Ulwelling, and trainer Kevin Attard. Bumped at the break of the 4 ½-furlong Tapeta race, Pennick recovered and rolled to a 5 ½-length score under Rafael Hernandez.

Pennick and jockey Rafael Hernandez winning race 5 on May 20, 2023 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)
Pennick and jockey Rafael Hernandez winning race 5 on May 20, 2023 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)

Picture perfect…finally!

Twin City, a 3-year-old son of Klimt-Minnie Apple Is, has endured several close defeats, leading to four runner-up finishes (with one win) in five starts last year. On Sunday, in the King Corrie Stakes, the strapping bay gelding finally came out on the winning end of a photo, taking the seven-furlong Tapeta race by a nose. Hall of Fame jockey Gary Boulanger rode the winner for trainer and co-owner Stuart Simon.

Twin City and jockey Gary Boulanger winning the King Corrie Stakes on May 21, 2023 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)
Twin City and jockey Gary Boulanger winning the King Corrie Stakes on May 21, 2023 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)

Worth repeating

“He’s always been a special colt and last year as a 2-year-old, he had a couple of unlucky races where he probably should have won with some racing luck. First thing I said to Stu [trainer and co-owner, Simon] was, ‘We finally got the photo our way.’” – Jockey Gary Boulanger, after riding Twin City to victory in Sunday’s King Corrie Stakes.

Twin City and jockey Gary Boulanger winning the King Corrie Stakes on May 21, 2023 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)
Twin City and jockey Gary Boulanger winning the King Corrie Stakes on May 21, 2023 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)

Worth watching

Pennick powered to a strong score in Saturday’s fifth race, a head-turning curtain-raiser for the young filly.

Worth knowing

Jockeys Declan Carroll and Sofia Vives visited fans at the Stella Artois Terrace on Saturday, opening day of one of the city’s most popular outdoor patio destinations.

Jockeys Sofia Vives and Declan Carroll visiting racing fans on Woodbine’s Stella Artois Terrace on May 20, 2023

Chris Lomon, Woodbine Communications / @WoodbineComms

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