E.P. Taylor Stakes: Betting Guide & Expert Picks for High-Paying Exotics

With over a decade of horse racing expertise, US Racing delivers data-driven insights and expert picks to sharpen your E.P. Taylor Stakes betting strategy, especially when it comes to high-paying exotic bets.

The 2025 E.P. Taylor Stakes at Woodbine Racetrack is set to be a marquee event, pitting the division's best fillies and mares against each other in a thrilling 1¼-mile turf classic. With a talented field of seven, the race features a trio of Grade 1 winners and a pair of intriguing longshots, promising a competitive and tactical battle. The race will serve as a crucial test to determine the top turf female of the year.

E.P Taylor Stakes, The Contenders & Odds

• She Feels Pretty (3-5): The clear morning-line favorite, this filly is the overwhelming choice. She comes in with a track record of multiple Grade 1 wins and a lethal late kick. Her runner-up finish in the Grade 1 Diana Stakes at Saratoga shows she can compete at the highest level, and her closing style is a perfect fit for Woodbine's expansive turf course. She's a formidable win contender, though her low odds offer little value.
• Ready for Shirl (7-2): A local standout, Ready for Shirl enters in peak form after a decisive win in the Grade 2 Canadian Stakes over this same course and distance. Trained by Roger Attfield and ridden by Javier Castellano, she has a proven late-closing ability and offers a solid value play for exotics.
• Diamond Rain (6-1): The biggest wild card in the field. This international raider from the powerhouse Godolphin operation brings top-class European form and is trained by turf master Charlie Appleby. She is adaptable in her running style and could be the one to pounce if the favorite falters. Her odds provide substantial value in exotic wagers.
• Caitlinhergrtness (8-1): The 2024 King's Plate winner, she is a versatile pace presence who could surprise. While she has had some up-and-down efforts this season, her experience on turf and ability to be forwardly placed make her a potential factor in the superfecta.
• Venencia (12-1): A deep closer who finished third in the Canadian Stakes, she will be hoping for a fast early pace to set up her late charge. She's a good inclusion for deeper exotic tickets.
• Literate (20-1): A longshot who pulled off a surprise win in the Grade 3 Trillium Stakes, she has shown she can handle the Woodbine track. While she is stepping up in class, her late-running style and familiarity with the track make her a longshot worth considering for the bottom of a superfecta.
• Hurricane Clair (20-1): The longest shot on the board, she would need a career-best effort to contend for the win. However, she has stamina credentials and experience at the distance.

USR Recommended Picks based on a $2 bet

With She Feels Pretty as the clear favorite, a straight win bet on her offers little value. The best strategy for this race is to focus on exotic wagers to maximize potential payouts. The lack of a confirmed front-runner suggests a moderate early pace, which is ideal for the closers in this lineup.

• Exacta: Consider keying She Feels Pretty on top, and boxing her with Diamond Rain and Ready for Shirl. A straight exacta of She Feels Pretty with Diamond Rain is also a savvy play, as Diamond Rain may not be the second choice in the exacta pool.
• Trifecta/Superfecta: Expand your bets to include the top three contenders in your top spots, and then include outsiders like Caitlinhergrtness and Venencia for bigger payouts.

With its blend of international raiders and proven local talent, the E.P. Taylor Stakes promises a tactical masterclass with massive payouts for those who can crack the code. The stage is set, the fillies are ready—now, it's up to you to make your move and claim victory on one of North America's premier turf days.

US Racing Team

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.