Exotics Plays for the E. P. Taylor Stakes

A sensational cast of eight fillies and mares will run 1 1/4 miles over the Woodbine turf in Saturday’s $750,000 E. P. Taylor (G1). The race has a huge international flair and is arguably the most exciting contest on the star-studded card. 

E. P. Taylor Exotics

• $6 exacta key box 8 with 1,4 ($24)
• $1 trifecta 4,8 with 1,3,4,6,8 with 1,3,4,6,8 ($24)
• 20-cent superfecta 4,8 with 1,4,8 with 1,3,4,6,8 with all ($12)

#8 See The Fire (7-2) was thought of enough to be sent off at 5-1 odds in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1) in 2025, and while she didn’t impact the race after a slow start, it's obvious that the mare has a ton of talent. Trained by Andrew Balding, the daughter of Sea the Stars was a Group 2 victress in her second run of this season and has excuses for her last two while facing some of the better horses in Europe. Robert Hornby will be in the silks. 

Godolphin homebred #4 Diamond Rain (7-5), who finished a close second in the race last year prior to coming home third in the Filly and Mare Turf, was a stylish winner in her prep run for this affair and has to be given a huge chance for Charlie Appleby. The Shamardal five-year-old is a lightly raced mare with room to improve with just 12 starts to her credit, and her affinity for this course is a good thing, as well. She is a must-use with William Buick in for the ride. 

South African star #1 Gimme a Nother (5-2) has been very impressive with a trio of wins in succession dating back to November, and the six-year-old also ran a huge second in her lone prior appearance on this surface, as well. The Graham Motion pupil is well placed on the fence and has a versatile running style that will make her dangerous throughout the heat. John Velazquez retains the ride. 

Group 2 heroine #3 Jancis (12-1) was outrun late in the deep Falmouth (G1) at Newmarket in July and comes in fresh for her North American debut in this spot. The William McCreery pupil split a fine duo at Royal Ascot two prior, and it’s worth noting that the five-year-old finished more than eight lengths clear of Grade 1 star Survie in her seasonal debut. Hector Berrios will be in the stirrups. 

#6 Venetian Lace (15-1), a second Godolphin homebred in the cast, is a two-time Group-1 placed sophomore who will be tackling her elders in the affair, and while this is a major class rise, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the filly challenge for a minor award at a nice price. The daughter of Masar has displayed speed in the past and figures to be forwardly placed in this endeavor, with Jamie Spencer in for the ride.