ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Just past the halfway point of the Woodbine meet, Kazushi Kimura has a commanding lead in the jockey standings with 69 wins - 20 more than Emma-Jayne Wilson. Last year’s leading rider Rafael Hernandez ranks third with 45 wins. Kimura, who recently celebrated his 22nd birthday, said he’s concentrating on his daily duties and leading the standings is a bonus. “I’m just more focused on training and everything,” Kimura said. “Every year, I’m trying to be a leading rider - it’s kind of like a dream, (but) when I get a mount, I just focus on the ride. That’s the most important thing.” Kimura said he plans on riding in the United Stakes this winter. The native of Japan won the 2019 Eclipse and Sovereign Awards for top apprentice. :: Bet the races with confidence on DRF Bets. You're one click away from the only top-rated betting platform fully integrated with exclusive data, analysis, and expert picks. Wilson said she’s pleased with the way her year has gone and is looking forward to the second half of the meet. “I’m very thankful for everything,” Wilson said. “I’ve had a lot of support from owners and trainers - that goes without saying. We need them. 2018 and 2019 were a bit stuttered for me with some injuries. That’s part of the game. It’s just the way jockeys’ lives can go. I’m grateful to stay healthy.” Wilson rides turf expert Naitaka in Thursday’s fifth race, a $5,000 sprint for nonwinners-of-two on the Tapeta. Wilson broke Naitaka’s maiden for $10,000 on July 15. She competed out of her proper condition most recently when second against $10,000 nonwinners-of-three rivals, going the seven-furlong distance of her graduation. Naitaka lost a $15,000 maiden sprint by a nose in her last Tapeta start June 12, so the surface switch might not be an issue. Kimura has mounts in five of Thursday’s eight races. He rides Veil in a $32,000 claimer for fillies and mares over 6 1/2 furlongs on the main turf. Veil is moving up off a wide third for $20,000 following a rare claim by trainer Ralph Biamonte. She’s failed to find the mark in 12 grass starts, and is winless in her last 11 races dating back to the fall of 2019. :: Get DRF Betting Strategies for exclusive analysis and wager recommendations from our expert handicappers. Veil must deal with Grateful Praise, who had an ideal stalking trip when defeating $20,000 claimers traveling 6 1/2 furlongs on the grass Aug. 19. The two front-runners in this field could set the table for her again. Miss Savvy weakened to second behind Grateful Praise after setting honest fractions in her improved second start off the sidelines Aug. 19. Sparkle Sammy put away the other speed before giving way late to finish a close third in a five-furlong inner turf dash for $25,000 claimers on Aug. 6. Biamonte is also sending out Silent Respect, who’s been idle since ending up third in a 6 1/2-furlong sprint for $40,000 claimers that was taken off the turf July 2.