Ellas My Love brings recency to Queenston

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Horses with a race under their girth this year could have an edge over the comebackers in Sunday’s $125,000 Queenston Stakes at Woodbine. Ellas My Love fits the bill in the seven-furlong sprint for Canadian-bred 3-year-olds.

Ellas My Love had a useful 2-year-old campaign last year on the Tapeta here, graduating second time out before ending up third in the restricted Simcoe Stakes. He tailed off in the fall after getting sick, according to trainer Bill Tharrenos.

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Ellas My Love had worked lights-out on the dirt at Gulfstream leading up to his season opener in a seven-furlong allowance there March 2. He finished a distant third to National Flag, who subsequently doubled up in the Grade 3 Bay Shore at Aqueduct. Ellas My Love earned a solid 83 Beyer Speed Figure.

“He ran against a very good horse of Todd Pletcher’s,” Tharrenos said. “He might have been a little bit short. He trained unbelievable at Gulfstream, and he’s progressing really well here as well. I like our chances going into the race. He’s fit.”

A field of seven was drawn for the Queenston, which is a stepping-stone to the $1 million Queen’s Plate here on June 30.

KEY CONTENDERS

Ellas My Love, by Pool Play

Last 3 Beyers: 83-54-51

◗ Rafael Hernandez was aboard for this colt’s last work from the gate, but Alan Garcia will ride Sunday. Hernandez is sticking with Coronation Futurity victor Aheadbyacentury.

“I’m a little disappointed he’s not riding him,” Tharrenos said. “It’s hard to take off a horse that won a stakes.”

Blueblood, by City Zip

Last 3 Beyers: 78-68-57

◗ He was quite precocious at 2, but missed the second half of the year after landing the five-furlong Victoria Stakes. Following an eight-month layoff, he finished a flat fifth in the one-mile Columbia Stakes on the grass at Tampa Bay Downs on March 10, but has since worked impressively here on the Tapeta for trainer Mark Casse.

Silent Sting, by Silent Name

Last 3 Beyers: 68-69-68

◗ The first-time Lasix user wintered at Gulfstream after beating Ontario-sired opposition going long Dec. 9 in the Kingarvie Stakes.

“He worked a few times before coming back here,” trainer Sid Attard said. “I think he should be ready. He only missed a month of training.”

Aheadbyacentury, by Midnight Lute

Last 3 Beyers: 69-72-62

◗ He got the winter off after capturing the $225,000 Coronation Futurity for Canadian-breds here on Nov. 5, spending it at Payson Park in Florida with trainer John Ross. Seven-eighths is shorter than he wants to go, but this should be a springboard to a two-turn engagement.