The 2025 E.P. Taylor Stakes, a prestigious Grade 1 turf race for fillies and mares, takes place today, Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Woodbine Racetrack, offering a CAN $750,000 purse and a place in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. With a compact field of seven talented runners, this 1¼-mile turf showdown promises to be as tactical as it is exciting.
Key Insights:
She Feels Pretty (3‑5) is the clear standout, dominant Grade 1 form, and elite closing ability make her the horse to beat.
Diamond Rain (6‑1) brings international firepower from Godolphin and trainer Charlie Appleby, along with top jockey William Buick, an obvious threat.
Ready for Shirl (7‑2), trained by Hall-of-Fame Roger Attfield and ridden by Javier Castellano, is peaking at home and entering the race in great form.
1. She Feels Pretty – The Overwhelming Favorite (3-5)
If you're placing a win bet, She Feels Pretty is the one. With a composite rating that towers above the rest and Grade 1 wins under her belt, she is the form horse of the race. Her running style is perfectly suited for Woodbine’s turf: she stalks early before unleashing a devastating late kick. Most handicappers peg her as the likely winner; just keep in mind her odds limit the value on a win wager.
Starts
Firsts
Seconds
Thirds
Earnings
11
7
2
2
$1,884,957
2. Diamond Rain – The International Dark Horse (6-1)
For those seeking value, Diamond Rain stands out. Representing the powerful Godolphin stable with trainer Charlie Appleby and jockey William Buick on board, she’s coming off a winning streak overseas and carries a strong turf pedigree. Her class and connections make her a serious contender. If you're looking for a logical upset or a key pick in exotics, she’s at the top of that list.
Starts
Firsts
Seconds
Thirds
Earnings
6
4
0
0
$188,462
3. Ready for Shirl – Peak-Form Domestic Threat (7-2)
If you're betting on a horse with local form and ideal connections, Ready for Shirl deserves your attention. Trained by Roger Attfield and piloted by Javier Castellano, she just captured the Grade 2 Canadian and had a solid second in the Nassau Stakes, demonstrating familiarity with Woodbine’s turf. With her late-closing style, she fits the expected race pace and offers solid value in exotics.
Starts
Firsts
Seconds
Thirds
Earnings
12
4
2
1
$279,987
Why These Three Stand Above the Rest:
Class & Form: She Feels Pretty is in a league of her own; Diamond Rain brings international class; Ready for Shirl is red-hot domestically.
Pace Setup: With no clear front-runner, the race likely develops at a moderate early tempo, ideal for closers like our top picks.
Wagering Strategy:
Win Bet: Go conservative with She Feels Pretty.
Exacta / Trifecta: Key Diamond Rain and Ready for Shirl underneath She Feels Pretty.
Value Tweaks: Caitlinhergrtness (8‑1), and longshot Venencia (12‑1) could add upside in deeper tickets.
Final Bet Strategy Summary
For the smartest bets:
Win: She Feels Pretty (3-5) – safe but low payout.
Exacta Box or Key: Include Diamond Rain and Ready for Shirl underneath the favorite.
Trifecta / Superfecta: Add Caitlinhergrtness and Venencia for value and potential surprise payoffs.
Feel free to tailor the stakes to your risk appetite; these three horses form the backbone of a well-rounded wagering approach.
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