Exotics plays for Woodbine stakes on Saturday, Oct. 31

A pair of stakes races will be contested at Woodbine on Saturday. I think there is value, especially in the exotics, in each of the races and I will take a swing at both.

Princess Elizabeth S.

An octet of juvenile fillies will contest the C$250,000 affair at 1 1/16 miles on the main strip. #4 Dreaming of Drew (7-5) is the one to beat for trainer Barbara Minshall. The Ontario-bred was a six-length maiden vixen in her latest appearance on the Tapeta, and she exits two solid turf tries when second in the Catch A Glimpse S., and fourth in the Natalma (G1).

Chestnut daughter of Speightster has a fine combination of early speed and a turn of foot, and she will be equipped with blinkers for the first time as well. The March foal will handle the distance with ease under Patrick Husbands.

The price play for the gimmicks is #5 Bequia (15-1). Trained by Kevin Attard, the Vancouver filly showed no speed in her turf debut when going long but did show interest late while in traffic. Dark bay homebred switches surfaces and rises up in class for a barn that knows how to place its runners. Emma-Jayne Wilson picks up the mount atop the March foal.

Wagers:

• $5 Trifecta: 4 with 5 with all ($30)
• $3 Trifecta: 4 with all with 5 ($18)

Overskate S.

A field of 10 will go 7 1/2 panels in the C$100,000 event. #2 Forester’s Turn (20-1) is a major question mark at the distance, and he faces a fine field of elders on Saturday, but I have to use him in my plays at a generous morning-line price. The Robert Tiller charge is the inside pace of the race and is a stakes winner on the course going 6 furlongs as well.

Forester’s Turn tired after dueling early going five-eighths on the local lawn in the Vice Regent S. most recently, but he will enjoy an easier trip up front in the Overskate. Regular rider Kimura staying in the silks adds to the appeal.

#4 Dixie’s Gamble (4-1) and #7 Not So Quiet (9-5) both have to be on some or all tickets with the longshot. The former is of stakes quality and makes his season debut for the dynamic Josie Carroll, while the latter was impressive when taking the Vice Regent in his turf bow last time out.

Wagers:

• $4 Exacta Key Box: 2 with 4,7 ($16)
• $1 Trifecta: 2 with 4,7 with all ($12)
• $1 Trifecta: 4,7 with 2 with all ($12)
• $2 Trifecta Box: 2,4,7 ($12)