In his first stakes race, Canada showcased his strong lineage by capturing the $300,000 Cup & Saucer Stakes at Woodbine on Sunday, marking a maiden-breaking victory. The Mark Casse-trained colt, in only his second career race, started well from the fifth post in a field of ten 2-year-olds bred in Canada, contesting the esteemed 1 1/16-mile turf event.
With Emma-Jayne Wilson riding for the second race in a row, Canada settled into third position early on, trailing Mo Cookie and King’s Counsel, the recent Simcoe Stakes winner. Ghostface and Barger stayed close behind, while Glorious Gem, the other filly in the race, was sixth. The remainder of the field included Road to Glory, race favorite Bunyan, Whatta Move, and Sunny’s Rainbow, as the race unfolded on the E.P. Taylor Turf Course rated ‘Good.’
Mo Cookie, one of just two fillies running and recently placing eighth in the Grade 1 Natalma Stakes, set the pace through a half mile in :48.06, with Canada advancing to second, looking to challenge. At the top of the stretch, Mo Cookie maintained a slim lead through six furlongs at 1:12.43, but Wilson urged Canada forward on the outside. Three-sixteenths from the finish, Canada surged ahead despite briefly switching to the wrong lead in the closing furlong, ultimately winning by 1 3/4 lengths in a time of 1:43.96. Mo Cookie secured second, followed by Bunyan in third and Glorious Gem in fourth.
Canada was purchased for $400,000 by D.J. Stable at the 2026 Ocala Breeders’ June Sale of Two-Year-Olds. He debuted on September 6 at Woodbine, finishing second in a 6 ½-furlong sprint on the main track despite a slow start. With the addition of Lasix for this second start and a couple of workouts under his belt, including a four-furlong breeze in 48.20 seconds on Woodbine’s turf training track, Canada appeared ready for a strong performance.
Wilson, nearing her 2,000th career win, noted a clear difference in the colt’s focus after his first race. “He understood what racing was all about; he was more focused and had his game face on,” she said. “When we reached the paddock today, I knew he’d be tough to beat.”
By Medaglia d’Oro and out of Season Ticket, the 2015 Wonder Where Stakes-winning mare, Canada tackled turf and longer distances for the first time — a challenge for any 2-year-old. Wilson highlighted the difficulty: “Racing 1 1/16 miles at two years old, especially on turf, is tough because they can see so much of the track, making them more eager.” However, once Canada settled into a comfortable rhythm, Wilson was pleased with his forward position and overall performance.
Bred in Ontario by Godolphin and John Ropes, the dark bay/brown colt, sired by Medaglia d’Oro out of Season Ticket (by Lemon Drop Kid), improved his record to one win and one second from two starts. This victory positions him as a strong early contender for the 2027 King’s Plate. Canada, owned by D.J. Stable LLC, went off at 8-1 odds and delivered a payoff of $18.10 for those who backed him.
This article initially appeared in the News section of Paulick Report on October 5, 2026. To add Paulick Report as a preferred source, click here.
Fan Take: Canada’s impressive transition from maiden to stakes winner in just his second start signals the emergence of a promising talent in Canadian horse racing. For fans, this victory not only highlights the depth of young turf runners in the region but also sets the stage for exciting competition in next year’s King’s Plate, renewing enthusiasm for the sport’s future.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
