Woodbine: Maritimer looks like Queen's Plate prospect winning Coronation Futurity

ETOBICOKE, Ontario — The favored Maritimer established himself as a contender for next year’s Queen’s Plate with a convincing score in the $250,800 Coronation Futurity at Woodbine on Sunday.

In his first start around two turns, Maritimer rated kindly rated in fifth on the backstretch of the 1 1/8-mile route for 2-year-olds. Maritimer made a wide bid into contention on the far turn, and then took the lead from Hampstead Heath early in the stretch, before drawing clear for a 2 1/4-length tally over a wide, closing Menlo Castle. Hampstead Heath finished another1 ½ lengths back in third in the 10-horse field of Canadian-breds.

Luis Contreras rode Maritimer for trainer Sid Attard, who has been adamant for some time that the son of Stormy Atlantic wants to go long.

“I said to ride him with lots of patience, and don’t move too soon,” said Attard. “This horse is just starting to learn how to run.”

Maritimer ($8.50) covered the distance in 1:50.91, and earned $150,000 in his first stakes win for Norseman Racing Stable.