Deauville listed as 5-2 early favourite for Woodbine Mile turf race
TORONTO — Mark Casse will attempt to achieve a rare double Saturday.
Casse, Canada’s top trainer the last six years, chases a second straight win in the $800,000 Woodbine Mile at Woodbine Racetrack with World Approval — the early 7/2 second pick — and 12-1 longshot Conquest Panthera. Heralded filly Tepin earned Casse his first victory in the turf event last year.
Charles Lopresti won this race from 2011-13, the last two with Wise Dan, who went on to be named American racing’s top horse both years. Wise Dan’s jockey was John Velazquez, who rides World Approval on Saturday.
World Appoval won the Grade 1 Fourstardave Handicap over a mile on a yielding turf at Saratoga on Aug. 12. It was the gelding’s ninth win in 22 career starts and pushed his earnings past $1.4 million.