Raptor’s to Carry South American Flag in High-Flying Canadian International

The Brazilian runner will face a tough test at Woodbine, where Nations Pride aims to defend his 2023 victory in the race

Raptor’s Winning at Gávea, Where He First Made His Name / JCB

TORONTO, Canadá (Special for Turf Diario).- This Saturday at Woodbine, the 85th running of the Canadian International (G1T, 2400m, turf, $750,000) will showcase one of the country’s premier turf classics. The 10-horse field promises international quality and renewed hopes for several flags, with Brazil’s colors flying high thanks to Raptor’s, aiming to make his mark in this prestigious, storied race.

The South American contender faces a star-studded lineup led by Nations Pride, the established Godolphin runner trained by Charlie Appleby, who seeks to defend his 2023 title. The Teofilo colt boasts a stellar international resume—23 starts, 11 wins, 3 seconds, 3 thirds, and nearly $3.8 million in earnings. “He has a tremendous physique and a mindset that makes him very adaptable. He has shown versatility from a mile to a mile-and-a-quarter and always competes with seriousness,” said Appleby confidently.

Joining him are the Wathnan Racing duo, Haunted Dream (Oasis Dream) and Silawi (Dubawi), both trained by Hamad Al-Jehani. Haunted Dream has already demonstrated his affinity for Woodbine with a G3 Singspiel Stakesscore in September on his Canadian debut. “We were considering giving him a break, but his Singspiel performance convinced us to return. He always delivers his best and will be competitive,” Al-Jehani noted. Silawi arrives off a solid victory in the G3 Winter Hill Stakes at Windsor. “We believe the track suits his style. He’s a consistent horse with quality and fighting spirit,” added Al-Jehani.

Also in contention is Tawny Port (Pioneerof the Nile), trained by Miguel Clement for Peachtree Stable. The 28-start campaign includes 5 wins, 5 seconds, 5 thirds, and more than $2 million in earnings. “He’s incredibly consistent and always gives his best. He may not win back-to-back races, but he guarantees a strong performance. With a good pace up front, he’ll finish well,” Clement said.

Against such elite company, Raptor’s stands out. Winner of the G1 Brasil and G1 Cruzeiro do Sul at home, he recently captured his second allowance victory at Colonial Downs. This marks his first graded test in North America. For Brazilian and regional turf racing, his run represents an opportunity to measure up at the highest level and showcase the quality of South American-bred horses on the world stage.

The Canadian International has a rich history of international champions, including European, North American, and Canadian stars, and in recent years has become a strategic G1 target for connections seeking prestige outside the usual circuits. The 2025 edition is no exception: the field blends proven international performers with new challengers, and among them, Raptor’s carries the continent’s hopes.

When the 10 runners break from the gate on Saturday, all eyes will be on the Brazilian colt. Whether he wins or not, his presence in the Canadian International is already a triumph for South American breeding and Brazilian colors. The Hat Trick colt will be piloted by Venezuelan Javier Castellano, carrying the dreams of a continent with him.