Saturday graded stakes plays for Woodbine

A pair of graded stakes races for sophomores will highlight the action at Woodbine on Saturday. Let's look at how to structure our tickets.

Marine Stakes (G3)

The 1 1/16-mile event on the main surface attracted a field of seven 3-year-olds, led by superb debut winner #7 Shirl’s Speight (6-5) from the barn of Roger Attfield. The bay was fantastic in a 7-furlong turf debut when drawing off with ease, and he could be special. Rafael Hernandez retains the mount atop the well-bred second timer who draws outside for his stakes bow.

#2 Glorious Tribute (12-1) is the value horse I will dabble with in the gimmicks for Minshall. Congrats gelding has been ambitiously placed in a pair of stakes races in 2020 and could peak in his third outing of the campaign. Dark bay has slowly improved in his lifetime, and he could be rallying as well as any in the field down the lane.

• Wagers
  • $20 Exacta: 7 with 2 ($20)
  • $2 Trifecta: 7 with all with 2 ($10)

Selene Stakes (G3)

Seven sophomore fillies will go postward in the 1 1/16-mile affair. #5 American Tap (7-2) possesses the running style and pedigree to thrive in her first run around two turns. Trained by Mark Casse, the daughter of Tapiture runs well on the surface and comes off a fine allowance second while well clear of her nearest foe. Ontario-bred lass will rally into a swift early pace with Kimura in the stirrups.

Three-time local stakes winner #1 Owlette (9-5) removes blinkers and draws the rail for Ward. Frac Daddy filly has been first or second in each of her career outings to date, including a stakes win to kick off her 3-year-old season on the oval. Fleet bay will face pace pressure on Saturday which could make her vulnerable in the latter stages of the Selene, however.

• Wagers
  • $40 Win: #5 American Tap ($40)
  • $10 Exacta: 5 with 1 ($10)