A 30% chance of showers is in the forecast for Saturday afternoon, which could lead to a softer turf course than usual.
The $1 million Woodbine Mile (G1) returns to Toronto, Ontario, on Saturday, September 13th, as a Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" qualifier for the Breeders' Cup Mile. This mile-long test on the E. P. Taylor Turf Course is known for attracting top international talent, and this year is no exception.
The 2025 edition features an elite field of nine, including the morning-line favorite from Europe, a local standout on a winning streak, and a South African invader with a formidable resume. For bettors, these three horses stand out as the best plays in what promises to be a highly competitive race.
It's hard to look past Notable Speech, who comes in as the deserved Woodbine Mile Odds favorite. Trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick, this colt's connections have dominated the Woodbine Mile in recent years, winning in 2022 and 2023. While he is winless in four starts this year, those races were all against Group 1 company, where less than three lengths consistently beat him. His most recent effort was a brave second-place finish in the Prix Jacques le Marois (G1) in France.
From a numbers standpoint, Notable Speech has earned several high-level speed figures that put him well ahead of the competition. He's a powerful closer who will benefit from a fast pace. With his connections' expertise and his proven ability to compete at the highest level, he is the horse to beat.
Pick: The top contender. A must-use in all win and vertical wagers.
If you're looking for a serious local threat, Gas Me Up is the horse to watch. The Kevin Attard trainee has been in career-best form, winning his last two starts, including a decisive victory in the Grade 2 King Edward Stakes at Woodbine. He has earned three consecutive triple-digit speed figures, showing both talent and consistency.
Gas Me Up is a proven graded stakes winner on this course, which gives him a significant advantage over many of his rivals who are either trying the track for the first time or stepping up in class. With Flavien Prat in the saddle, he is a live win contender who could capitalize if the favorite falters.
Pick: A live win option and a key player in exactas/trifectas.
The most fascinating horse in the field is One Stripe, who makes his North American debut for trainer H. Graham Motion. This South African-bred gelding has an impressive record, including multiple Group 1 wins in his home country. His last win came in the L'Ormarins King's Plate (G1) in January, a strong performance that showed his class.
For this race, he picks up one of the sport's all-time great jockeys, John R. Velazquez, who has won the Woodbine Mile a record five times. One Stripe is an unknown factor in North American racing, but his pedigree and past performances suggest he could be a major threat. At 5-2, he offers excellent value for a horse with such a strong international resume.
Pick: The value play. A dangerous win chance and a must-use in vertical bets.
The 2025 Woodbine Mile is shaping up to be a truly international affair, a testament to its standing as a major Breeders' Cup Mile prep race. The proven European class of Notable Speech, the formidable local form of Gas Me Up, and the intriguing international talent of One Stripe create a trifecta of betting options that offer something for every kind of horseplayer.
While Notable Speech is the clear favorite on paper, his European style of running as a closer could be challenged if the pace is not as fast as he would like. Gas Me Up, with his strong recent win over this very course, has a tactical advantage and a real chance to turn the tables on the more heralded contenders. One Stripe, as an unknown commodity from South Africa, holds the wild card in this race, and his performance will be one of the most anticipated of the day. All three horses are deserving of a long look, and horse racing bettors who can successfully navigate the strengths and weaknesses of each will be handsomely rewarded. The winner of this year's Woodbine Mile will not only secure a berth in the Breeders' Cup but will also have stamped themselves as a major contender on the world stage.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
