Wicked Django, a graded stakes winner, is fully prepared for Sunday’s $150,000 Grand Valley Stakes, a 1 1/8-mile turf race for Ontario-bred colts and geldings aged four and older. Trained by Renico Lafond, Wicked Django last ran on August 30 at Woodbine, finishing a strong second behind 2023 King’s Plate winner Paramount Prince in the $150,000 Caledon Stakes.
Lafond shared, “I was hoping someone would challenge Paramount Prince early, but no one did. When the pace hit :24 flat, I thought, ‘Uh-oh.’ With no pressure on Prince, I figured we’d finish second at worst. I told jockey Keveh Nicholls to hold back and watch, not to chase him and let someone else set the pace first. So we managed a very game second-place finish.”
The 6-year-old bay colt, sired by Wicked Strong out of the Flatter mare Belcarres, came out of the Caledon race in great condition, according to Lafond. The trainer, who has guided Wicked Django to multiple stakes wins, was cautious with the horse following a runner-up showing in his seasonal debut on June 13 at Woodbine.
“After that second-place finish, Wicked Django had a setback that slowed his progress,” Lafond explained. “I took extra care of him, which is why I entered him in a seven-furlong race right after nearly two months off.”
For Lafond, the focus was on the process rather than the outcome of the August 9 allowance race, where Wicked Django finished fifth. “He ran that race, then I gave him three weeks off with no workouts to freshen up. He returned and ran an impressive race in the Caledon.”
Wicked Django boasts a career record of 3 wins, 4 seconds, and 4 thirds, with total earnings of $287,847 from 16 starts. He will have a 28-day break between the August Caledon Stakes and Sunday’s Grand Valley.
During this time, the well-experienced runner, owned by Ryan Brewster, has met all the expectations of his trainer. “The Grand Valley gave me a full month to prepare him, so after a three-week rest, I gave him a sharp workout — and he was fantastic. He’s been training strongly every day, looks incredible, and is happy,” Lafond praised.
On Sunday, Wicked Django will switch from Woodbine’s main track to the E.P. Taylor turf course and will race a slightly longer distance of 1 1/8 miles, up from 1 1/16 miles in the Caledon.
“He’s suited to this distance and in top form. I’m confident we have a very good chance this weekend,” added Lafond.
Keveh Nicholls, who previously rode Wicked Django to a 1¼-length victory in the 2024 Autumn Stakes (G2), will again be the jockey for the Grand Valley. Damian Jones serves as the horse’s groom.
The Grand Valley Stakes is the third of four new $150,000 stakes races created this season for Registered Ontario Breds at Woodbine, initiated by the Ontario Thoroughbred Improvement Program (TIP). The male/open division began with the Vice Regent Stakes on August 16.
Recently, on September 19, Wicked Django breezed five furlongs on the main track in exactly 1:00.00, impressing his trainer. “He worked great and is ready to go. He’s back to his best,” Lafond confirmed.
The wagering options for the Grand Valley include Rolling Double, Exacta, 0.20 Trifecta, 0.20 Superfecta, 0.20 Pick 3 (Races 5-6-7), 0.20 Jackpot Power PK6 (Races 5-10), and $1 Swinger.
The field for the Grand Valley Stakes includes:
- Rapid Test – Austin Adams – Catherine Day Phillips
- Wicked Django – Keveh Nicholls – Renico Lafond
- Paramount Prince – Fraser Aebly – Mark Casse
- Side Street – Jose Campos – Rachel Halden
- Faber – Emma-Jayne Wilson – Kevin Attard
- Naptown – Rafael Hernandez – Jose Magana
- Watsonville Red – Pietro Moran – Mike De Paulo
This article originally appeared in Paulick Report’s News section on September 24, 2026.
Fan Take: Wicked Django’s return to turf at an ideal distance highlights the depth of talent in Ontario’s racing circuit and offers fans an exciting showdown against top contenders like Paramount Prince. This race not only showcases emerging local stars but also strengthens the appeal and competitiveness of regional stakes racing, vital for the sport’s growth.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
