The Niagara Stakes, a $100,000 turf route for 3-year-olds and up, headlines Race 8 at Woodbine Racetrack on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Contested over 1¼ miles on the E.P. Taylor turf course, this stakes event draws a competitive field of 12 runners, including seasoned turf specialists, graded stakes veterans, and international pedigrees. With Breeders’ Stakes implications and long-distance turf form in play, the race promises a tactical and thrilling finish.
Race Details
Race: Niagara Stakes
Track: Woodbine Racetrack, Toronto, ON
Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
Post Time: 4:48 PM ET
Distance: 1¼ miles (Turf)
Purse: $100,000
Conditions: 3-Year-Olds & Up
Full Field Analysis
| PP | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Sire | Dam (Dam Sire) |
| 1 | Frosted Over | Xarel Forde | Martin Drexler | Frosted | Candy Crush (Candy Ride) |
| 2 | Twowaycrossing | Keveh Nicholls | Roger Attfield | English Channel | Double Guns Girl (Langfuhr) |
| 3 | Lac Macaza | Eric Cancel | Martin Drexler | Giant Gizmo | Garavogue Colleen (Sligo Bay) |
| 4 | Dancin In Da’nile | Jose Campos | Gail Cox | Pioneerof the Nile | Dance Again (Awesome Again) |
| 5 | Roscar | Pietro Moran | Rachel Halden | Oscar Performance | Rosemere (Court Vision) |
| 6 | Stanley House | Leo Salles | Michael De Paulo | Army Mule | Stormy’s Song (Unbridled’s Song) |
| 7 | McAvoy | Sahin Civaci | Mark Casse | Free Drop Billy | Araminta (English Channel) |
| 8 | Legal Catch | Fraser Aebly | Harold Ladouceur | Distorted Humor | Catch the Fire (Kitten’s Joy) |
| 9 | Public Sector (GB) | Jalon Samuel | Saffie Joseph Jr. | Kingman (GB) | Parle Moi (IRE) (Montjeu) |
| 10 | Never Surprised | Patrick Husbands | Kevin Attard | Constitution | Tiz Dixie (Tiznow) |
| 11 | Ron’s Gizmo | Rafael Hernandez | Ronald Sadler | Giant Gizmo | Street Kid (Lemon Drop Kid) |
| 12 | Atlast (FR) | Ryan Munger | Graham Motion | Farhh (GB) | Pitamore (More Than Ready) |
Top Contenders Breakdown
Ron’s Gizmo
Trainer: Ronald Sadler
Jockey: Rafael Hernandez
Pedigree: By Giant Gizmo, out of Street Kid (Lemon Drop Kid)
Form: Winner of last two starts, including a sharp score over Frosted Over
Edge: Tactical speed, proven at distance, strong recent form
Never Surprised
Trainer: Kevin Attard
Jockey: Patrick Husbands
Pedigree: By Constitution, out of Tiz Dixie (Tiznow)
Form: G3 winner with strong turf credentials
Edge: Class edge, versatile running style, top connections
McAvoy
Trainer: Mark Casse
Jockey: Sahin Civaci
Pedigree: By Free Drop Billy, out of Araminta (English Channel)
Form: Turf specialist with late kick; fifth in last stakes try
Edge: Distance suits, improving form, strong Woodbine record
Pedigree Insights
Giant Gizmo (Ron’s Gizmo, Lac Macaza): Canadian turf influence with stamina and durability.
Constitution (Never Surprised): Sire of elite turf routers with tactical speed.
English Channel (Twowaycrossing, McAvoy’s dam): Renowned for producing long-distance turf specialists.
Kingman (GB) (Public Sector): European turf brilliance with late acceleration.
Farhh (GB) (Atlast): Adds international flair and stamina.
Final Thoughts
The Niagara Stakes sets up as a tactical turf route with Ron’s Gizmo entering in peak form and Never Surprised bringing class and versatility. McAvoy and Stanley House offer value with proven distance form, while Public Sector and Atlast add international depth. Expect a strategic pace and a strong stretch duel on Woodbine’s expansive turf course.
