Moira morning-line favorite in 11-horse Queen's Plate
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Moira has been tabbed as the 5-2 favorite by linemaker Ernie Perri for the 163rd running of the $1 million Queen’s Plate on Sunday at Woodbine.
Moira, an easy winner of the Woodbine Oaks on July 24, got post 8 in the 11-horse field and will be ridden by Rafael Hernandez in her quest to become the 38th filly to win the 1 1/4-mile event for Canadian-bred 3-year-olds.
Trainer Kevin Attard, who is seeking his first Plate victory, was content with Moira’s post.
“I didn’t want to be in the gate too long,” Attard explained. “I think this way [Hernandez] gets to see how things develop in front of him. Rafael can decide from there where to place her.”
Attard sent out four horses in last year’s Plate, with his best result being a third-place finish.
“To be back with a chance this year is obviously nice,” Attard said. “I think we’ve got the right horse. With every start, she’s gotten a little bit better. I don’t think the distance will be a problem. I think she’ll run all day. She’s a horse that you can put anywhere. She settles well, and when you ask her to run, she picks up the bridle.”
Rondure is the 3-1 second choice from post 6. Trained by Katerina Vassilieva, Rondure won his last start July 2 in the Grade 3 Marine by 5 1/2 lengths with a Beyer Speed Figure of 95, the highest in the Plate field.
“I’m happy with our post,” Vassilieva said. “We got the speed on our inside. It worked out perfect.”
After riding both, Hernandez chose Moria. Flavien Prat has the call on Rondure.
Trainer Mark Casse sends out Sir for Sure (8-1) and Hall of Dreams (12-1).
Sir for Sure and Hall of Dreams rallied in unison on the outside in the 1 1/8-mile Plate Trial Stakes on July 24. Sir for Sure bumped with Hall of Dreams exiting the turn before going on to score by two lengths.
Patrick Husbands on Hall of Dreams claimed foul on Declan Carroll aboard Sir for Sure, but there was no change in the order of finish after an inquiry regarding the incident.
“He’s a very easy ride,” Carroll said. “I just bided my time, and when I had to make room, I was able to push out.”
Like Rondure, Ironstone (12-1) has gone straight to the Plate from the 1 1/16-mile Marine, in which he was headstrong on the lead before tiring to just miss second to Duke of Love.
Duke of Love is the 5-1 third choice. He was a troubled fourth in the Trial under Justin Stein, who retains the mount.
Saratoga-based Causin’ Mayhem (6-1), a front-running third in the Trial, could set the pace in his second start on the Tapeta.
Rounding out the field are The Minkster (10-1), Dancin in Da’nile (30-1), Hunt Master (30-1), and Shamateur (30-1).
Post time for the Plate is 5:42 p.m. Eastern. It will be broadcast in Canada on TSN and CTV from 4:30-6 p.m. Eastern.