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Weekend Notables & Quotables (October 7-8)

October 10, 2023

Something’s brewing

Artie’s Storm, with Emma-Jayne Wilson in the irons, rallied down the lane to take Saturday’s $150,000 Durham Cup (G3) for owner-trainer Paul Buttigieg. A 5-year-old son of We Miss Artie-Tiz Stormy Now, Artie’s Storm fended off high-profile runner Algiers (IRE) by a half-length for top prize in the 1 1/16-mile race over the Tapeta.

Artie's Storm and jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson winning the Durham Cup on October 7, 2023 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)
Artie’s Storm and jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson winning the Durham Cup on October 7, 2023 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)

Back in the win column

After an off-key effort in the Canadian Stakes (G2T) on September 9, Fev Rover (IRE) was back on the winning track with a sensational score in Sunday’s $750,000 E.P. Taylor Stakes (G1T), riding the rail to victory with Javier Castellano on board. The 5-year-old bay mare is trained by dual hall of famer Mark Casse for owner Tracy Farmer.

Fev Rover (IRE) and jockey Javier Castellano winning the E.P. Taylor Stakes on October 8, 2023 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)
Fev Rover (IRE) and jockey Javier Castellano winning the E.P. Taylor Stakes on October 8, 2023 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)

Big-time finish

Big Invasion, trained by Christophe Clement for Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, rallied stoutly down the long E.P. Taylor turf stretch to come out on top in a thrilling renewal of the $250,00 Nearctic Stakes (G2T). Piloted by Dylan Davis, the 4-year-old son of Declaration of War-Curls in Place is now 8-3-1 from 14 career starts.

Big Invasion and jockey Dylan Davis winning the Nearctic Stakes on October 8, 2023 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)
Big Invasion and jockey Dylan Davis winning the Nearctic Stakes on October 8, 2023 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)

Dancing machine

Dancing Duchess, a 2-year-old daughter of Munnings-Duchess Dancer, rebounded from a tough start last time out to take the $200,000 Algonquin Stakes for trainer Mark Casse and owner Tracy Farmer. After a pair of runner-up efforts in the My Dear and Soaring Free, the dark bay, bred in Ontario by Mitchell Kursner, recorded her first stakes triumph on Sunday at Woodbine.

Dancing Duchess and jockey Javier Castellano winning the Algonquin Stakes on October 8, 2023 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)
Dancing Duchess and jockey Javier Castellano winning the Algonquin Stakes on October 8, 2023 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)

Second time is the charm

Sounds Practical, a 2-year-old daughter of Practical Joke-Sonic Cyster, went one better after finishing second in her career bow on September 9 at Woodbine. Trained by John Mattine for RCC Racing Stable Ltd. and Realm Racing Stables, the bay filly, bred in Ontario by Saintsbury Farms Inc., won Saturday’s fifth race, and paid $4.40 for the victory.

Sounds Practical and jockey Ryan Munger winning Race 5 on October 7, 2023 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)
Sounds Practical and jockey Ryan Munger winning Race 5 on October 7, 2023 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)

Worth hearing

“This is a race we are very keen to support and to be here and thanks to everybody here at Woodbine for looking after us so well and being very supportive to us all.”

– Trainer Charlie Appleby, who sent out Nations Pride (IRE) to win the Canadian International (G1T) on Sunday.

Worth watching

Watch as Nations Pride (IRE), with William Buick riding, tracks down a game Royal Champion (IRE) to take all the spoils in the 84th edition of Woodbine’s iconic Canadian International (G1T).

Worth knowing:

It’s a five-pack of stakes action this Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, the $250,000 Cup and Saucer, $150,000 Ontario Fashion (G3) and Ontario Matron (G3) share the spotlight. Sunday’s card showcases the $125,000 Glorious Song and $125,000 Display.

https://woodbine.com/stakes-schedule/

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