Woodbine Diaries: Super Saturday

The young stars of Woodbine shone brightly on Saturday, even if the sun hid behind some clouds on a fantastic afternoon of racing at the Toronto track. Saturday’s main events were a pair of races for two-year-olds: the Natalma Stakes for fillies and the Summer Stakes for colts and geldings.  And to whet fans’ appetites, there was the $150,000 Grade 3 Bold Venture Stakes for horses three years old and up to kick off the major action of the afternoon. 
The Bold Venture horses were gleaming as they headed into the paddock before the race, and each horse pranced in the brisk early fall weather as they prepared for their upcoming effort.

While I was in the paddock, I also ran into our ABRV Tour ambassador Victoria Garofalo; we agreed that the best part of the weather changing was the chance to break out our boots! Totally the best part of autumn fashion in my opinion. 

After Victoria and I complemented each other’s choice in footwear, I had to boogie to the finish line to catch the winner of the Bold Venture. Calgary Cat made it look easy, winning with daylight separating him and the second-place finisher.

Jockey Eurico Da Silva had the biggest smile on his face when he returned to the winner’s circle – you couldn’t help but grin along with him!

I also spotted racing journalist Ray Paulick presenting the trophy for the Bold Venture. Very cool!

The next big race was the first of the two-year-old races: the Natalma Stakes for female horses (called fillies). This race not only garners the winner bragging rights and the lion’s share of the $200,000 purse, but also an all-expense paid trip to compete in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf held at the World Championships at Santa Anita on October 31. Each filly who came out to compete for the Natalma looked spectacular, and anticipation filled the air as the horses paraded in the paddock.

As the horses made their way from the paddock to the starting gate before the Natalma, fans pressed against the rail abutting the turf course for the best view possible.

And after the fillies had run a mile, it was Conquest Harlanate who got her head in front at the finish line to earn her place in the history books and a spot in this year’s Breeders’ Cup.

Her human connections from Conquest Stables were clearly delighted as they led their filly to the winner’s circle.

And I can’t wait to see Conquest Harlanate at the Breeders’ Cup – I know I’ll recognize that beautiful facial marking anywhere! 

And check out her lovely new blanket that shows off her Win And You’re In victory!

The final big race of the afternoon was the Summer Stakes. Much like the Natalma, this race for male horses two years in age sends its winner to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf; so there was a big, competitive field lined up to take their shot at glory. As the horses walked in the paddock, the sun finally peeked out from behind the clouds to bathe the young racehorse in beautiful afternoon light. 

Conquest Stable was definitely having the best day ever, since they got their second trip to the Woodbine winner’s circle and their second Breeders’ Cup qualifier in one afternoon when their horse Conquest Typhoon romped in the Summer Stakes.

What a wonderful afternoon for Conquest Stable – it was definitely a delighted group in the winner’s circle after the Summer Stakes!

And as Conquest Typhoon left with his new blanket and a Breeders’ Cup destination, all I could think about was how excited I was to get back to the races on Sunday for all of the action coming out of Woodbine Mile day!