Woodbine Racetrack is set to host the Steady Growth Stakes on Saturday, December 15, 2024, a $100,000 feature for Ontario-sired Thoroughbreds aged three and up, bred from stallions registered with the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society or Ontario Racing during the season of conception. Run over 1 1/16 miles on Woodbine’s all-weather Tapeta surface, the race showcases a blend of veteran campaigners and rising talent.
Race Specifications
- Eligibility: 3YO & up, Ontario-sired only
- Surface: All-weather (Tapeta)
- Distance: 1 1/16 miles
- Purse: $100,000 CAD
- Track: Woodbine – Toronto, ON
- Date: Saturday, December 15, 2024
Notable Entries & Pedigree Highlights
| Horse | Owner(s) | Trainer | Sire – Dam (by) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mason’s Gamble | ATA Stables, Inc. | Josie Carroll | Gamble’s Exchange – Dynaco (Dynaformer) |
| Maakwa | Old Oregon Trail Stables | Shana Lopez | Giant Gizmo – Euro Platinum (Eurosilver) |
| Allegorical | Polo Management Services | Carlos Grant | Giant Gizmo – Champagne Dynasty (Pulpit) |
| Ron’s Gizmo | Linda J. Theil & Harri Hosein | Ronald H. Sadler | Giant Gizmo – Street Kid (Lemon Drop Kid) |
| No More Options | Mary T. Self | Zeljko Krcmar | Frac Daddy – Stoney Miss (Birdstone) |
| Lac Macaza | Goldie Stables & Discovery Racing | Julia Carey | Giant Gizmo – Garavogue Colleen (Sligo Bay) |
| Secret Reserve | Carlo D’Amato & Stacey Van Camp | Michael Mattine | Giant Gizmo – Smart Suzie (Smart Strike) |
| Dun Drum | Joan H. Addison et al. | Ian Black | Bold n’ Flashy – Lea’s Moon (Perigee Moon) |
| Rapid Test | Kingfield Racing & Apricot Valley | Catherine Day Phillips | Souper Speedy – Arch Tigress (Archarcharch) |
Race Analysis & Insights
- Ron’s Gizmo – Finished third in last year’s edition, showcasing consistency and experience. His track record makes him a leading contender.
- Secret Reserve – Proven stakes performer with tactical speed and versatility; expect a strong bid.
- Dun Drum – Known for late-closing moves; could capitalize if the pace falters.
- Dark Horses – Lac Macaza and No More Options have the form and pedigree to launch upsets under the right conditions.
With a field packed with Giant Gizmo progeny—suggesting a speed-versus-stamina showdown—the race will likely hinge on pace control and smart mid-race positioning. The Tapeta surface tends to reward fluid transitions and agility in the stretch, making jockey strategy critical to success.
