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 MARCH 16, 2022

Chris Lomon, Woodbine Communications 

WOODBINE WINTER REPORT – SANTINO DI PAOLA

TORONTO, March 16, 2022 – Each week, until the end of March, we’ll look at key Woodbine-based horses and horsepeople, and also share other important news and notes. From horses on the Queen’s Plate trail, to catching up with Woodbine trainers, the weekly report keeps racing fans and the racing community in the loop. In this week’s report, trainers Santino Di Paola and Francine Villeneuve to talk about their respective 2021 campaigns and upcoming 2022 seasons, plus more.

Tracking Success: Santino Di Paola

  • 24 career wins
    Santino Di Paola stable is all shined up for the 2022 season. (Santino Di Paola)
    Santino Di Paola stable is all shined up for the 2022 season. (Santino Di Paola)
  • Top horses include D’s Ben, Bode’s Tipsy, Enchant Me, D’s Soul and Papa D
  • Recorded a career-best 12 wins and $265,430 in purse earnings (U.S.) in 2021

Top moments from 2021:
“There were a few top highlights from last season. I think Bode’s Tipsy’s two wins were pretty exciting. They definitely stand out in my mind. Just the way he was able to show such dominance over his rivals… it kind of just gave me chills and gives me the hope for a strong season with him this year. Even with a shortened season, we were able to gather up a dozen wins (82-12-6-8), a 15 percent win average and 32 percent top three and over 50 percent hitting the board for the top four. I was pretty proud of that. I’d also have to say that making the top trainers’ list at Woodbine was definitely one of the big highlights of 2021. It’s basically wrapping up a breakout season for our team and it’s something that I hope to improve on and move up the list this season.”

Ones to watch in 2022:
“I’m looking forward to all of them running and performing. I know that’s not typically the answer people are looking for, but they are all a part of the team. It doesn’t matter to me if they are a $5,000 claimer or an allowance horse. My favourite winner last year was a $5,000 claiming race won by D’s Ben. Just the grit and fight he showed to win that race all the way on the lead was just such a thrill. Afterwards, the team was so proud of him for digging deep and getting that victory. I will give you two names that I’m looking forward to. I’m excited to have a fresh Bode’s Tipsy back on the turf and hopefully in some of the turf stakes we have here at Woodbine. The other one I’d have to say that piques my interest more is a filly named Gav’s Dream Girl that showed a lot of promise in the one start I was able to make with her. She got into all types of trouble but managed to still run a solid second. We have high hopes for her to develop into a nice three-year-old.”

Strength in numbers:“I’ll have between 16-20 horses in the barn this year, depending on if we claim the odd one or buy any babies at OBS.”

Plate and Oaks hopefuls:
I have a few horses that are three-year-old Canadian-breds, but they would have to show that they would belong at that Queen’s Plate or Woodbine Oaks level. Time will tell.”

Chasing goals:
“I definitely want to get over that 12-win mark we had last year. I figure if we keep working hard and we have a few more months to play with this season, it’s definitely possible. Another goal is to win a stakes race. I think we have a couple horses with the talent enough to definitely run in some stakes races this year. Hopefully, with some luck we can cross that infield.”

Final furlong:
“I’ve learned that you have to trust yourself and keep your head down and just let the work you and your team speak for itself. I’ve always been pretty humble and anyone who is in this game knows that if you aren’t humble, the horses will humble you. It’s been a learning curve starting out on my own without the experience of being an assistant trainer. But I’m pretty happy with the program we have and the team we have created over the last few years. I think last year was just the start of me being able to apply what I have learned in years past and allowing myself to be confident in my choices. Confidence is something I think that comes with experience and when the wins follow like they did last year, it kind of reassures you that you can do this and compete with the bigger names out there and start to make a name for myself. Basically, keep your head down, work hard and do your best and pay attention to the small details. Those are what win races.”

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