The Grade III Jacques Cartier Stakes returns to Woodbine Racetrack on Saturday, May 31, 2025, featuring a competitive field of top sprinters battling over six furlongs on the all-weather track for a $150,000 purse. This prestigious sprint stakes has historically showcased elite speedsters, making it a key event for horses targeting the summer stakes circuit.
Race Details
- Event: Jacques Cartier Stakes (G3)
- Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025
- Time: 1:05 PM ET
- Location: Woodbine Racetrack, Toronto, Canada
- Distance: Six Furlongs
- Surface: All-Weather Track
- Purse: $150,000
- Eligibility: 4-year-olds & up
Field Analysis – Horses, Jockeys, Trainers & Pedigrees
1. Old Chestnut (5/1)
- Jockey: Eswan Flores
- Trainer: Martin Drexler
- Owner: Bruno Schickedanz
- Breeder: Live Oak Stud
- Pedigree: Speightstown – Pool Land
Old Chestnut is a seasoned sprinter with strong Woodbine experience. His sire, Speightstown, is a proven producer of elite sprinters, making him a dangerous contender if he gets a clean trip.
2. Patches O’Houlihan (1/2)
- Jockey: Sofia Vives
- Trainer: Robert P. Tiller
- Owner: Frank D. Di Giulio Jr.
- Breeder: Frank Di Giulio Jr.
- Pedigree: Reload – Maythefourthbwithu
The morning-line favorite, Patches O’Houlihan is a dominant force in Canadian sprint racing. He won his seasonal debut in May, showcasing explosive speed and tactical versatility.
3. Simcoe (3/1)
- Jockey: Rafael Hernandez
- Trainer: Katerina Vassilieva
- Owner: Chiefswood Stables Limited
- Breeder: Chiefswood Stables Limited
- Pedigree: Uncle Mo – Aurora Lights
Simcoe has strong closing ability, making him a major threat in the final furlong. His sire, Uncle Mo, is known for producing elite sprinters and milers, giving him the stamina to finish powerfully.
4. Okiro (10/1)
- Jockey: Pietro Moran
- Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph Jr.
- Owner: Yutaka Enterprises Corp.
- Breeder: Burleson Farm & McKenzie Bloodstock
- Pedigree: Yoshida (JPN) – She Hung the Moon
Okiro is a wild card, with Japanese-bred stamina from Yoshida. He has struggled in recent starts but could surprise with a strong late kick if the pace collapses.
Race Strategy & Predictions
Likely Race Scenario
- Patches O’Houlihan is expected to set the early pace, pushing the field into a fast opening quarter.
- Simcoe and Old Chestnut will likely stalk the leader, waiting for an opportunity to strike.
- Okiro could close late, especially if the frontrunners tire.
Predicted Finish
- Patches O’Houlihan – Tactical speed makes him the likely winner.
- Simcoe – Late acceleration keeps him in contention.
- Old Chestnut – Experience at Woodbine could secure a top-three finish.
- Okiro – Potential upset contender with a strong closing kick.
Best Bets
- Win Bet: Patches O’Houlihan (1/2)
- Exacta Box: Patches O’Houlihan / Simcoe / Old Chestnut
- Trifecta: Patches O’Houlihan / Simcoe / Okiro
