Holy Helena gets summer off

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Trainer Mike Doyle, who doubles as a racing consultant for Stronach Stable, said the popular 2017 Queen’s Plate winner Holy Helena is spending some downtime this summer at his Woodbine barn in preparation for a fall campaign here.

Formerly based in New York with trainer Jimmy Jerkens, Holy Helena is coming off a victory over another Canadian champion, Starship Jubilee, in the Grade 2 Dance Smartly here June 29.

Doyle said Holy Helena will make her next start Sept. 14 in the Grade 2 Canadian, which could be a springboard to the Grade 1 E.P. Taylor on Oct. 12.

“She could maybe finish out her career in the E.P. Taylor, or if she was doing great, she could have one more start,” Doyle said. “She’s doing great. She’s put on a bunch of weight since her last race.”