Horak: How I'll bet Woodbine's Canadian International

Saturday's Grade 1, $800,000 Canadian International features four overseas shippers, Northern Dancer Turf (G1) runner-up Nessy and popular local gelding Pumpkin Rumble. But French invader Zayad is strictly the one to beat even as Desert Encounter returns to defend his title in what looks like an intriguing match race.

Before deciding how to bet the ninth race from Woodbine, let’s meet the field.

Favorite

#1 Ziyad (1-1) exits a strong Group 2 victory in France, he is fresh and should be forwardly placed in a race without much pace. The consistent 4-year-old is the deserving favorite.

Value Win Contender

#4 Desert Encounter (2-1) is a sharp 7-year-old for David Simcock. He captured his last three starts against Group 3 foes in Great Britain. He won this race last fall and could easily repeat, but the favorite will probably get the jump on him.

Live Longshots

#2 Pivoine (10-1) was a length behind Desert Encounter at 14-1 in an overseas Group 3 affair on Sept. 21. He is probably a cut below the top contenders, but might be good enough to pick up a check. 

#6 Pumpkin Rumble (15-1) exits a flat mile turf stakes victory in Pennsylvania-bred company. Eurico Rosa Da Silva rides him well, and the long-winded 8-year-old has run multiple quality races in the local graded turf stakes ranks over the years. Maybe they go to the front and attempt a theft. 

Remaining Entrants

#3 Nessy (8-1) is a late runner with plenty of stamina for Ian Wilkes. He was up for the place in the Northern Dancer Turf (G1) at this course/distance on Sept. 14. 

#5 Alounak (6-1) upset Group 3 foes in Germany Aug. 24. These are better, however, and he is 0-for-3 at this 1 1/2-mile distance. 

Wagers

Exacta 1-4

Trifecta 1-4/1-4/2-6