The 69th Woodbine Oaks, set for July 20, promises to showcase the best Canadian-bred three-year-old fillies, with the prestigious race offering a substantial purse of $500,000. This event not only marks a highlight on Woodbine's stakes calendar but also serves as a potential stepping stone to the esteemed King’s Plate, scheduled for August 17 this year.
As of June 14, Canadian Thoroughbred has compiled a list of the top contenders for the Woodbine Oaks, with anticipation mounting as the race day draws near. The upcoming June 29 Selene Stakes (G3), which includes entries from the US, is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the field for the Oaks.
Inudation (Collected), owned by Al and Bill Ulwelling and trained by Kevin Attard, is slated to make her three-year-old debut in the Selene Stakes. This chestnut filly, foaled in late May, has been steadily preparing since March, most recently clocking an impressive 5 furlongs in 1:01.80 on June 8. Inudation showcased her potential by winning the prestigious Princess Elizabeth Stakes last November, posting a notable 81 Beyer Speed Figure. Notably, several past Princess Elizabeth winners, such as Moira, Nippissing, Roan Inish, Ginger Gold, and Dancethruthedawn, have gone on to capture the Oaks, underscoring Inudation’s credentials.
Dazzling Move, owned by Marc Tacher’s Sonata Stable and trained by Michael Trombetta, returns from the US with strong credentials. Bred by Jesse Korona, this Not This Time filly has shown versatility across different surfaces, securing a recent victory at Laurel on dirt with an 83 Beyer Figure.
Ba Dee Yah, trained by Tom Amoss for Gold Standard Racing Stable, LLC, has also shown promise, winning a stakes race at Fair Grounds and displaying competitiveness in subsequent outings, including a notable third-place finish in the Panthers Stakes at Prairie Meadows. Bred by Anderson Farms, Ba Dee Yah was a standout purchase at the Fasig-Tipton October yearling sale.
War Painter (Danish Dynaformer), trained by Kevin Attard for Canuck Racing Stable, has caught attention with a convincing victory in a 1 1/16-mile allowance/optional claiming race against older horses. Her progress under Attard’s guidance positions her as a formidable Oaks contender.
Kin’s Concerto (Mendelssohn), owned by Chiefswood Stables and trained by Josie Carroll, has shown promise with a third-place finish in a seven-furlong race against older horses. Her pedigree and training suggest she’s well-suited for the Oaks distance.
Stormcast (Mitole), trained by Mark Casse, displayed impressive speed with a second-place finish in the Honey Ryder Stakes at Gulfstream Park on grass. With a pedigree linked to Mitole, Stormcast brings strong sprinting ability that could prove advantageous in the Oaks.
These fillies, alongside others on the radar, are set to define the field for the 69th Woodbine Oaks. As the Selene Stakes approaches, all eyes will be on these contenders as they vie for a chance to etch their names in Canadian racing history and potentially set sights on the prestigious King’s Plate.