Breeders’ Cup likely for Woodbine Mile winner Trade Storm

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Trade Storm, who was third in the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile to Wise Dan last season, changed his fortunes in this year’s $1,053,200 edition of the race with a half-length victory over Kaigun.

Trainer David Simcock said the pace setup on Sunday – and the notable absence of Wise Dan – suited Trade Storm much better this time around.

“There was no Wise Dan today, which obviously makes quite a bit of difference,” Simcock said. “Last year’s race, with the six runners, there wasn’t an even pace, whereas today there was a good pace. The stronger the pace, the better he is coming off of it. It really worked out well.”

Trade Storm came into the Woodbine Mile off two second-place finishes in England over the summer against lesser competition than he faced in his prep races coming into the 2013 Woodbine Mile.

“It was a different campaign,” Simcock said. “He ran two very good races [in Dubai]. We gave him a longer break, and everything was building toward this race. He had a longer season the season before, and he had run in a better grade against better horses and it was tough for him.”

Simcock said a trip to Santa Anita for the Breeders’ Cup would likely be in the cards for Trade Storm, despite the fact that the 6-year-old is currently not Breeders’ Cup-nominated.

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“We’ve got nothing to lose,” he said. “It will definitely be a high caliber of race, but he never disgraces himself. I’m not saying he’s going to win, but he’ll certainly run well.”