Woodbine Spot Plays for Sunday, October 18

A total of four stakes races, led by a pair of Grade 1 tilts, will highlight a fine Sunday card at Woodbine.

Race 1 -- Maiden Special Weight

Michael Stidham’s #5 Good Alternative (5-2) has trained steadily in preparation of her debut for a very capable first-out conditioner. Alternation filly lands in a very winnable spot for her first appearance, and I like her chances to get the big day started off in a positive way.

Race 5 -- Northern Dancer Turf (G1)

#7 Admiralty Pier (9-2) is controlling speed on the stretch out in distance in what is a mild rendition of this race. Barbara Minshall pupil is a mystery at the distance, but the son of English Channel is bred to run long and will have everything his own way up top beneath Steven Bahen.

Race 6 -- Maiden Special Weight

First-time starter #2 Truffle King (10-1) has not missed a morning drill dating back to August and appears ready to roll on debut. $45,000 son of Giant Gizmo is a half-brother to a multiple stakes winner who ran well at Woodbine, and I think that he offers great value under Stein.

Race 9 -- Nearctic (G2)

#5 Silent Poet (2-1) is 8-for-13 on the Woodbine green and is lone speed in this tilt, as well. He will be tough to beat with an expected clear voyage.

I will play an exacta using the favorite with #3 Blind Ambition (8-1). The Casse charge was a sharp allowance winner on the surface with blinkers added most recently, and I envision the Tapit 6-year-old to be moving best of all late under Patrick Husbands.

Race 10 -- Display S.

The Michael DePaulo-trained #8 Souper Classy (8-1) has a lot of appeal to me at a square price. Souper Speedy gelding aired on debut on the main oval, prior to finishing a solid third in a stakes race on the green when hanging a bit late. March foal returns to the Tapeta and draws a fine outside post slot as well. Stalker will have a lively pace to rally into with Moran in the silks.