“With all due respect sir, no.”, I said to the part-Owner of a horse up for Canadian Horse of the Year this April, just one day before the 2015 racing season began at Woodbine Racetrack.  It was the Sovereign Awards, honouring the year’s best across Canada and it was this gentleman’s first time ever at the prestigious affair. He wanted an honest answer from me if his horse would win the coveted title and that I gave him. Although his horse in all fairness was and is very talented, there would be no defeating the opposition.  Not on the track, not at the ballot box.

We’re into the halfway-mark of the racing season and the burning question on the minds of many racing fans is, “Where is Lexie Lou?”. The four-year-old filly had a remarkable campaign in 2014 winning unanimously Horse of the Year voting that night.  The $1-million Queen’s Plate? Check.  The Woodbine Oaks? Check.  These are two of the country’s most important races and she won both with ease en route to padding her bankroll with $1.5 million.

In Horse Racing, we all love a good Cinderella story and a Cinderella story Lexie Lou is, purchased in 2011 as a yearling for just $5,000 by local veteran Owner/Trainer John Ross, who campaigned her to much success through April 2014. Although pedigree and training programs are telling indicators in the success of a Racehorse, just as important in the sport is the unknown, luck.  It is a sport of mobility – literally and figuratively.  Success can come as quickly for some as it goes and that extends to everyone from the Bettors  to the Owners.  Just ask Perry Martin and Steven Coburn, whom for a pittance of $8,000 purchased an unsuspecting filly in 2009, birthing eventual Superstar California Chrome, who has banked $6.3 million in earnings.  Let’s not forget the 30% ownership sold to Taylor Made Farm in advance of plans eventually to retire him as a stallion, where millions more are expected to be made through breeding.

Lexie Lou‘s success under John Ross went noticed.  She was game for a fight every time and always was in the thick of things. Hollywood heavyweight Producer Gary Barber (G.I. Joe, Invictus, Wanted, Bruce Almighty) purchased her privately for what then seemed like a sizable sum. She would be handled by the Team of seven-time Sovereign Award winning Trainer, Mark Casse who thanked Ross at the Sovereign Awards for all the work he and his Team put into shaping Lexie Lou‘s career. Despite his domination of Canadian Racing, the Queen’s Plate remained illusive and Lexie Lou gave him that overdue accomplishment, moving him to tears in a post-race interview seen around the world. The filly’s success story has been a remarkable one and she’s proven no matter the competition, she is a force to be reckoned with – north and south of the border.  In November 2014’s Grade 1 Hollywood Derby at Del Mar Racetrack in California, the brazen Canadian filly tackled Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome, bet heavily and just shy of defeating him in second.

Let’s step back for a second and look at the big picture here.  An Ontario-bred filly bought originally for just $5,000 facing the eventual North American Horse of the Year, and almost winning the race. This is a greater feat than it might suggest in print.  Hardly lauded enough, Lexie Lou should be a Poster Girl for the sport at large.  She should be celebrated as an inspiration for fans young and old, male or female – regardless of upbringing – that we all can be a better version of ourselves with a bit of luck and a lot of hard work. I mean, who doesn’t identify with that? This is the core essence of being a North American, am I right?

A quick visit to Woodbine‘s Stables Area to see the Superfilly who was in vacation mode in Ocala, Florida until only recently,  had me both excited and hesitant. Mark Casse himself has stated that she isn’t particularly a gentle filly, but notes that many great fillies carry that trait. Horse Racing in addition to being a  money-making leisure to fans, is a high-stakes business for those on the backstretch, a juxtaposition of toughness to the surreal beauty of witnessing these animals race under the vibrant rainbow of silks their jockeys sport.

For her four-year-old campaign, Lexie Lou has been paired with a new groom (caretaker) Chivon, who praises her star filly as being anything but aggressive despite her having developed a bit of a reputation in the past. A second set of eyes (mine) would confirm this.  Upon walking over to her stall, Lexie Lou was very preoccupied with checking-in on her neighbour through a barred window, a two-year-old filly named Conquest Soprano. I learned that Lexie Lou has always been a big sister in the Casse barn, which is overseen by Assistants Kathryn Sullivan and David Adams here in Toronto.  Last year, she was best friends with a younger filly named Conquest So True and was protective of her too.

Although not all horses love Scotch Mints, she was enthused and helped herself to a few out of my palm, later coming back for seconds… and thirds, before going back to check on her friend next-door. And somewhere amidst the sugar rush, she planted an equine kiss on my cheek.  It is hard to believe such a monster on the track was such a beauty in-person.  I despise the term “almond eyes” because it is such a blanket term, but if it could be applied to anyone, it would be Lexie Lou as her enchanting, deep-set eyes are soulful and pensive.  Her face feminine and graceful, with a bold white marking similar to that of her sire (father), Sligo Bay.  A stunning animal.

 Lexie Lou will make her return to the track soon. Although originally scheduled to make her return on Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at Woodbine, an eye condition is keeping her out of the race. More to come on when the Queen shall return and we will be sure to let you know so you can witness greatness!

Don’t forget to snap a Selfie at Woodbine with the Hashtag #OffToTheRaces and Tweet at @WoodbineRacing to qualify for a prize of $1,000!

Some Photos of Lexie Lou over the years:

Lexie Lou, Winter 2013

Trainer Mark Casse plants a kiss on Lexie Lou, Queen’s Plate 2014

Media frenzy after Lexie Lou wins the 2014 Queen’s Plate

Lexie Lou and her rider Patrick Husbands, Queen’s Plate 2014

Lexie Lou wins the 2014 Wonder Where Stakes, her first race on the turf

Lexie Lou in-training, July 2015

Lexie Lou mugs for the camera with her Exercise Rider Jason, July 2015

Lexie Lou and Patrick Husbands as Lego in a 2015 Queen’s Plate Promo

Lexie Lou back at home, August 2015

Mr. Will + Lexie Lou:

Kisses from #LexieLou! Who knew the Queen of Canadian Racing was such a sweetheart?! @woodbineracing #OfftotheRaces #GetintheGame #Horses #HorseRacing #Horse #Filly #BetWoodbine #Racetrack

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Aug 7, 2015 at 6:27am PDT

To learn more about Woodbine Racetrack, including how to get there, click here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

This post was created in partnership with Woodbine Racetrack.

Brought to Toronto by way of love, award-raking Modern Family star Sarah Hyland made her way to Toronto earlier today. She is in town to visit her beau, English Actor Dominic Sherwood, who has been hard at work on Young Adult series Shadowhunters, based on Cassandra Clare‘s popular novels The Mortal Instruments.

Decked-out in the most amazing pair of sunglasses and a tank top, the 24-year-old beauty was so nice to stop for a quick chat and a Selfie before heading-off. It’s always refreshing seeing you talent so grounded and nice!

Hyland was in Toronto earlier this summer at the MuchMusic Video Awards with Sherwood but hasn’t been seen since.

See our Snap:

Pleasure meeting the super-sweet #SarahHyland of #ModernFamily. Honestly one of the nicest younger actresses I’ve met ever met. Refreshing. She’s here to spend time with her love, #DominicSherwood. #Shadowhunters #TMI #TheMortalInstruments #HaleyDunphy

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Aug 21, 2015 at 12:42pm PDT

Shadowhunters wraps mid-October. Hopefully we’ll see her and Dominic out at TIFF ’15?

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Soda Pictures + Mr. Will want you to check out THE SECOND MOTHER! Screening takes place WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2015 in Toronto at Varsity Cinemas.

Synopsis:
After leaving her daughter in a small town in Pernambuco to be raised by relatives, Val spends the next 13 years working as a nanny to Fabinho in São Paulo. She has financial stability but has to live with the guilt of having not raised Jessica herself. As Fabinho’s college entrance exams roll around though, her daughter calls and gives her what seems to be a second chance.

Jessica wants to come to São Paulo to take her college entrance exams as well. Filled with joy as well as apprehension, Val gets ready, with the wholehearted support of her employers, for the long-dreamed moment of being near her daughter again. But when Jessica arrives, cohabitation is not easy. She doesn’t behave in conformity to what is expected of her and starts to create tension inside the household. Everyone will be affected by the girl’s personality and candor. And Val finds herself right in the middle, split between the living room and the kitchen, where she will have to find a new way of facing life.

Trailer:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook!

Don’t forget to follow Soda Pictures on Facebook!

(Photo/video credit: Soda Pictures)

I don’t believe it’s been 11 years since Pop Powerhouse (and Actress) JoJo debuted and on that same note, I don’t believe it’s been so long since we’ve heard from her.  The 24 year-old Singer/Songwriter known for memorable hits like Too Little Too Late and Leave (Get Out), has released earlier today what she’s coined a Tringle. That’s three simultaneous singles!

Check them out on Soundcloud!

SAY LOVE

SAVE MY SOUL

WHEN LOVE HURTS

With the Tringle trending already, expect details of her debut album via Warner Music Canada to come soon!

(Photo/video credit: Warner Music)

You know them v. well from their massive hit, I LOVE IT! Swedish Pop Duo ICONA POP‘s crossover has been gradual and true to their brand of catch hits, their latest effort EMERGENCY now is impacting domestically. Members Caroline Hjelt and Aino Jawo already have toured with the greats including Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry and now they are opening for one of the largest Pop Acts in the World, One Direction, playing tonight at the Rogers Centre as part of their On the Road Again Tour.

Icona Pop visited City‘s Breakfast Television in the 7:00 AM hour, chatting with Dina Pugliese, before heading over later to Global’s The Morning Show (National Edition), opting for an underground entrance. Still though, they apologized for not being able to come out and posed for cutesy photos through the window with heart symbols. Adorbs.

Our Snap:

With the cuties of @IconaPop! Been waiting like two years for this!! The Swedish Duo are opening for #OneDirection. #IconaPop #1D

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Aug 20, 2015 at 6:30am PDT

Check-out Emergency below:

See their The Morning Show (National Edition) interview below:

Download Emergency now on iTunes here!

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros./Mr. Will Wong)

Willionaire$ know one of my fave Songs of Summer 2015 is this visceral anthem!  Rachel Platten‘s FIGHT SONG has touched the hearts of many with its unflinching honesty and inspired heart and now I want you to give you guys a chance to win a “THIS IS MY FIGHT SONG” T-Shirt, an official promotional piece for the Track.

Even Queen Taylor knows…

For those who haven’t had a chance to listen to it yet, Platten‘s FIGHT SONG EP is four tracks of pure, delicious pop perfection. What I like about it is that it feels genuine.  She’s independent, real, strong-willed and empowering and this comes across on her selection of tunes.  I’ll admit, I drove three hours straight looping FIGHT SONG and I hope the Track gives you the sense of motivation needed to continue on in your own personal battles.

If you still have no idea what I’m going on about, understand here:

Download the FIGHT SONGS EP on iTunes here.

To enter to win a “THIS IS MY FIGHT SONG” T-Shirt, I need you simply to click “like” on this Post over at Mr. Will on Facebook and tell me about your biggest battle.

G’luck, Willionaire$!

I’m obsessed. Really.

#FIGHTSONG! My jam!! #Caraoke #FordFocus #RachelPlatten #Karaoke #SamsungGalaxyS6

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Aug 17, 2015 at 2:05pm PDT

(Photo/video credit: Sony Music Canada)

In advance of its TIFF ’15 Premiere, Netflix‘s BEASTS OF NO NATION has some new character posters for our viewing enjoyment!

Synopsis:

Beasts of No Nation, the powerful new film written and directed by Emmy Award winner Cary Fukunaga (True Detective, Sin Nombre)  and starring Golden Globe® winner Idris Elba (Luther, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom) will debut Friday, October 16, 2015, worldwide on Netflix in all territories where the world’s leading Internet TV network is available. Fukunaga’s Beasts of No Nation will be in competition at the Venice Film Festival and will be screening at the Toronto Film Festival in September. Beasts of No Nation is based on the highly acclaimed novel by Nigerian author Uzodinma Iweala, bringing to life the gripping tale of Agu, a child soldier torn from his family to fight in the civil war of an African country. Newcomer Abraham Attah gives a stunning portrayal of Agu, while Elba dominates the screen in the role of Commandant, a warlord who takes in Agu and instructs him in the ways of war

Netflix Canada streams BEASTS OF NO NATION Friday, October 16, 2015.

(Photo credit: Netflix)

It’s that time of the year again and we couldn’t be more thrilled with this initial batch of Films announced as part of the TIFF ’15 (aka #TIFF40, now in its 40th year) Lineup. The annual unveiling took place at TIFF Bell Lightbox as Filmlovers and Industry types awaited eagerly as titles were announced at 10:00 AM.

Although the Celebrity and Filmmaker Guest List is still to come, thus far we can expect A-Listers like Johnny Depp, Matt Damon, Tom Hardy, Michael Caine, Helen Mirren, Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, Sandra Bullock, Kristen Stewart, Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hiddleston, Kate Winslet, Liam Hemsworth, Emily Blunt, Julianne Moore, Jessica Chastain and several, several, more.

In addition, there will be several exciting Documentaries including Davis Guggenheim‘s latest, He Called Me Malala and two about Horse Racing, Being Ap and Dark Horse.

DEMOLITION has been announced as the Opening Night Gala, from Canadian Director Jean–Marc Vallée, who has brought us delights WILD and DALLAS BUYERS CLUB in recent years.  And it would appear once again we have eclectic mix of Films from all around the World, ranging from The Danish Girl from Oscar-winning Director Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech) which sees Oscar Winner Eddie Redmayne in a transgender role, to gritty Dramas like BLACK MASS starring Johnny Depp as Gangster Whitey Bulger and highly-buzzed SICARIO from Canadian Director Denis Villeneuve (Prisoners) about an FBI Agent caught in a dangerous Mexican cross-border sting.  Emily Blunt is getting tons of Oscar buzz for her performance in this and this will mark a pivotal moment in her campaign trail at the TIFF.

Closing Night Gala looks to end on a light-hearted note with Paco Gazeba‘s MR. RIGHT starring Anna Kendrick and Sam Rockwell.

London also has been chosen as the city of focus in this year’s City to City Programme with Films starring Nicholas Hoult and Tom Hardy being featured.

Also just announced is an opening night Charity Soirée with Academy Award Winner Natalie Portman where she talks about her successful career and upcoming work.  Tickets range from $350 to $650. Details here.

As part of TIFF‘s  new Primetime Programme, showcasing Television for the first time, we learned that NBC‘s Toronto-filmed HEROES: REBORN will be premiering its first episode in its two-hour entirety at the Festival.

Whether it be part of Documentaries, Special Presentations or Gala Presentations, here are some of the highlights to rock the City this September.

45 YEARS (Andrew Haigh)

ABOUT RAY (Gaby Dellal)

BEASTS OF NO NATION (Cary Fukunaga)

BEEBA BOYS (Deepa Mehta)

BEING AP (Anthony Wonke)

BEING CHARLIE (Rob Reiner)

BLACK MASS (Scott Cooper)

BORN TO BE BLUE (Robert Budreau)

BOXING (Grayson Moore, Aidan Shipley)

BROOKLYN (John Crowley)

COLONIA (Florian Gallenberger)

THE DANISH GIRL (Tom Hooper)

DARK HORSE (Louise Osmond)

THE DAUGHTER (Simon Stone)

DISORDER (Alice Winocour)

DEMOLITION (Jean-Marc Vallée) 

THE DRESSMAKER (Jocelyn Moorhose)

EQUALS (Drake Doremus)

EYE IN THE SKY (Gavin Hood)

THE FINAL GIRLS (Todd Strauss-Schulson)

FREEHELD (Peter Sollett)

THE FAMILY FANG (Jason Bateman)

FORSAKEN (Jon Cassar)

THE GIRL IN PHOTOGRAPHS (Nick Simon)

GREEN ROOM (Nick Saulnier)

HE NAMED ME MALALA (Davis Guggenheim)

HIGH-RISE (Ben Wheatley)

HYENA ROAD (Paul Gross)

I SAW THE LIGHT (Marc Abraham)

I SMILE BACK (Adam Salky)

IT’S NOT YOU (Don McKellar)

JANIS: BLUE LITTLE GIRL (Amy Berg)

JE SUIS CHARLIE (Daniel Leconte, Emmanuel Leconte)

KILL YOUR FRIENDS (Owen Harris)

KILO TWO BRAVO (Paul Katis)

THE LADY IN THE VAN (Nicolas Hynter)

LEGEND (Brian Helgeland)

LEN AND COMPANY (Tim Godsall)

THE LOBSTER (Yorgos Lanthimos)

LOLO (Julie Delpy)

LONDON FIELDS (Matthew Cullen)

LONDON ROAD (Rufus Norris)

LOUDER THAN BOMBS (Joachim Trier)

MAGGIE’S PLAN (Rebecca Miller)

MAN DOWN (Dito Montiel)

THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY (Matthew Brown)

THE MARTIAN (Ridley Scott)

THE MEDDLER (Lorraine Scafaria)

MISS SHARON JONES! (Barbara Kopple)

MISSISSIPPI GRIND (Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden)

MISS YOU ALREADY (Catherine Hardwicke)

MOUNTAINS MAY DEPART (Jia Zhang-ke)

MR. RIGHT (Paco Gazeba)  – Closing Night Gala

OFFICE (Johnnie To)

THE ONES BELOW (David Farr)

OUR BRAND IS CRISIS (David Gordon Green)

THE PROGRAM (Stephen Frears)

THE REFLEKTOR TAPES (Kahlil Joseph)

REMEMBER (Atom Egoyan)

ROOM (Lenny Abrahamson)

SEPTEMBERS OF SHIRAZ (Wayne Blair)

SICARIO (Denis Villeneuve)

SPOTLIGHT (Tom McCarthy) – didn’t Rachel McAdams hint at us first it would be at TIFF?

STONEWALL (Roland Emmerich)

A TALE OF LOVE AND DARKNESS (Natalie Portman)

A TALE OF THREE CITIES (Mabel Cheung)

TRUMBO (Jay Roach)

TRUTH (James Vanderbilt)

UN PLUS UNE (Claude Lelouch)

WHERE TO INVADE NEXT (Michael Moore)

THE WITCH (Robert Eggers)

WOMEN HE’S DRESSED (Gillian Armstrong)

YOUTH (Paolo Sorrentino) – NSFW Trailer

Complete list of Titles complete Synopses announced thus far here.

Just 14 more days to go! Final titles to be announced in a week.

(Photo credit: eOne Films/Warner Bros./Studio Canal/Majestic Filmproduktion/20th Century Fox)

Universal Pictures Canada + Mr. Will want to take Readers in select cities to see the gripping star-studded Thriller, EVEREST! Screenings take place in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary and Edmonton on Wednesday, September 16, 2015.

Synopsis:

Inspired by the incredible events surrounding an attempt to reach the summit of the world’s highest mountain, Everest documents the awe-inspiring journey of two different expeditions challenged beyond their limits by one of the fiercest snowstorms ever encountered by mankind. Their mettle tested by the harshest elements found on the planet, the climbers will face nearly impossible obstacles as a lifelong obsession becomes a breathtaking struggle for survival.

The epic adventure stars Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, John Hawkes, Robin Wright, Michael Kelly, Sam Worthington, Keira Knightley, Emily Watson and Jake Gyllenhaal.

Artwork:

See the Trailer:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook. In the comments, indicate your City and tell me about your worst ever snowstorm. You may click “share” from there for an extra chance or Tweet the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/everest @MRWILLW wants us to #win Passes to see #EVERESTMovie. In theatres 9/18!

G’luck, Willionaire$!

Universal Pictures Canada release EVEREST on Friday, September 18, 2015 and everywhere in IMAX Friday, September 25, 2015.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

Every once in a while I get the pleasure of test driving a true gem, and a true gem the 2015 Ford Focus Titanium is indeed.  This compact, high-performance vehicle drives as great as it looks, offering phenomenal value for its listed price.

What I appreciate most about the Titanium is its concern for safety. As a city driver, awareness of surroundings is both beneficial and preventative.  Its  audio/visual cues and rear-view camera make parallel parking or backing-out a breeze and I won’t deny how handy it is to receive visual alerts in my side mirrors that let me know when cars are about to enter my peripheral vision.

Let’s talk about the experience driving the Titanium, which I equate to pure luxury.  Activated by keyless ignition, operation is simple and straightforward. The deep leather seats had me feeling cradled and cozy and that heated option sure would come in handy in the winter, am I right? A sizy hatchback trunk is perfect for those big grocery runs and gratuitous shopping extravaganzas.  That spacious moonroof had me basking under the sun as I zipped down the 401, as that glorious Sony soundsystem with 10 speakers and subwoofer, blared my favourite tunes of the Summer.  Lean On by Major Lazer, anybody?

SYNC with MyFord Touch made navigation to and from my destination simple with the touch of a finger. It worked with my Samsung S6 via bluetooth to let me take and make phone calls safely as I drove.  

One minor irritant I will say is that SYNC wouldn’t play audio files I had purchased on iTunes via a USB connection due to protected content restrictions. In fact, connecting via USB to charge my phone even caused SYNC  to crash repeatedly with lengthy waits to reboot, although we’re sure this would be corrected with a software revision down the road.

In the week I test-drove the Titanium, I experienced both torrential downpour of rain and scorching heat.  The front and rear-view wipers kept my line of vision clear in the rain, with superb handling of the road.  And nothing beats the super-quick air conditioning which had me cool and calm in no time.

I adore the 2015 Ford Focus Titanium and without a question would own one. Learn more about it here.

Some Snaps:

Total pleasure driving the @fordcanada Focus Titanium this week. A gem. Read more at MRWILLWONG.COM. #FordFocus #TestDrive #Ford

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Aug 17, 2015 at 6:54pm PDT

And can we talk about my experience learning to drive standard?  Ford Canada kindly gave me the opportunity to learn to conquer this longtime fear of mine.  Driving down the 403 to Oakville, my palms admittedly were sweaty. Upon arriving at Ford Canada‘s headquarters, where I was greeted by my friend Melissa and instructor Malcolm Strachan, I knew right away I was in good hands. Patiently I was  guided how and when to switch gears and to navigate that unknown variable – the ever-daunting clutch – giving my leg a bit of a workout.

Within two hours, I still was far from perfect a standard driver, but I had the foundation and basics to be able to handle the task if I ever were to drive a manual vehicle.  The feeling of control you have over the road driving a standard is unparalleled, not to mention fuel efficiency benefits and the undisputed fact you will be a better, more focused driver for it all. There is no room for distracted driving when driving a standard.

I am proud to say I learned to drive standard in an ultra-stylish 2015 Ford Fiesta ST with its gorgeous Recaro-styled seats, six-speed transmission, 1.6L Ti-VCT EcoBoost I-4 engine and power moonroof and definitely would experience it again!

Learn more here about the 2015 FORD FIESTA ST.

See some Photos of my experience:

So I learned how to drive Standard on the gorgeous #FordFiesta today thanks to Coach Malcolm and @fordcanada. Was terrified but rewarding! #Ford #Driving #Oakville

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Aug 15, 2015 at 12:32pm PDT

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)