British royalty and Riptide Rock meet at Woodbine

The CA $ 150,000 Ontario Derby (G3) for 3 year olds and the Ontario Damsel of CA $ 125,000 for 3 year old fillies will co-title the 10 race card on October 31 at Honeysuckle.

The Ontario Derby features a rematch of the 1-2 Breeders’ Stakes finalists, a 1 1/2 mile turf test and the latest gem in the OLG Canadian Triple Crown Series—British royalty and Riptide Rock . This time they are running 1 1/8 miles on Tapeta.

Riptide Rock, a son of Stronach Stables Entry point , is coached by Canadian Hall of Fame inductee Sid Attard. The gelding amassed a 2-3-1 record in nine starts.

His most recent victory came in a six-stage Tapeta race on July 16 over the Toronto Oval. After a narrow failure on the Queen’s Plate — Riptide Rock finished second, a header behind. Safe driving —The gelding was third on turf at the Toronto Cup, before winning silver in the Breeders’ Stakes.

“He’s doing very, very well,” Attard said. “He arrives in the race in good order. I’m very happy with him.”

Riptide Rock kicked off their career on October 17, 2020, sweeping forward at mid-length to take a six-meter-long, 2-1 / 2-length turf race as a 2-1 pick, in what was their only child 2-year-old appearance.

The chestnut then headed south for its next four departures, three to Oaklawn Park, one to Monmouth Park, before returning to Woodbine ahead of his July victory in the EP Taylor Turf Course.

“I like everything (on the horse),” Attard said. “He’s a very easy horse to train, always does what you ask him and always tries every time. He’s a nice horse to be around. He’s always there every time he runs. will always try and always give his best. “

That’s exactly what Attard expects from Riptide Rock on Sunday.

“I think this distance will be perfect for him.”

DJ Stable’s Dolder Large , coached by Mark Casse, is the favorite in the Ontario Derby with a morning odds of 2-1. The colt finished fourth against older horses in ranked company in his last start.

Seven second year fillies including Woodbine Oaks Presented by champion Budweiser Munnyfor Ro , are set to compete in the Ontario Damsel, a 1 1/16 mile main track event. Owned by Raroma Stable, daughter of Munnings is 3-2-2 from 11 starts.

The Chestnut, to be ridden by Justin Stein, heads to Ontario Damsel after winning the Wonder Where Stakes, the third stop of the Canadian Triple Tiara, on October 2.

Other hopes include Gold for kitten (4-0-1, from five starts), winner of the Alywow Stakes Lady War Machine , and several graduated stakes placed Oyster Box .