Cheering section

Oh Canada!

Who to bet in the Stakes Race Extravaganza at Woodbine on June 28

Some of the equine stars in Canadian racing will be action on June 28 in five graded stakes races celebrating the Canada Day long weekend.

Since June 28 is also yours truly's birthday, here is a short analysis of each stakes races and some selections:

Race 5 – Grade 3 Marine Stakes. There are five Canadian breds in the field going 1 1/16 miles on the Tapeta, each one with a hope of going to either the Woodbine Oaks or the King's Plate.

But the American breds in the field look best at this point: Church and State and Megalodon, both ridden by Rafael Hernandez last time in wins, have both won around two turns.

Hernandez stays with Megalodon, an attractive son of Medaglia d'Oro.

Last year's Cup & Saucer Stakes winner Scorching finally gets his 2025 opener after he was sidelined with an injury for quite a long time over the winter. The other Canadian breds are headed by Mansetti,, the filly War Signal, and recent winners Sedburys Ghost and Watsonville Red.

6 – Megalodon

2 – Church and State

5 – Mansetti

Race 7 – Grade 3 Selene Stakes

There are three Canadian bred fillies tackling U.S. breds in this 1 1/16 mile race on Tapeta.

All three of the Oaks hopefuls are front running types as are some of the other entrants.

Tricky race to decipher. I will lean towards off-the-pace types.

2 – Tiz Her Money

1 – Somethinabouther

8 – Nata Trouble

Race 8 – Grade 2 Highlander Stakes. The 2024 Horse of the Year Patches O'Houlihan missed his latest start in the May 4 Thorncliffe as he was sidelined. Will that affect his performance against two tough rivals in My Boy Prince and Playmea Tune?

1 – My Boy Prince

5 – Patched O'Houlihan

2 – Playmea Tune

Race 9 – Grade 3 Dominion Day Stakes. Older horses travel 1 1/8 miles on the Tapeta and there is not standout in this modest field. Last year's Marine stakes winner Essex Serpent might be very tough on the pace.

7 – Essex Serpent

2 – Bail Us Out

8 – Classic Mo Town

Race 10 – Grade 2 Nassau Stakes.

One mile on the grass and the 2024 Champion 3-year-old filly Caitlinhergrtness was impressive in her 2025 opener and she loves the grass.

4 – Caitlinhergrtness

7 – Ms. Tart

10 – Sweet Rebecca