 Plate Trial winner Win City making his way back to the winner's circle after the race |
Plate Trial Stakes
Dateline: 06/02/01The Plate Trial is the major prep for the Queen's Plate, Canada's most important race of the year for 3 year olds. It is run three weeks before the main event at a distance of 1 1/8 miles, one furlong shorter than the Plate. The Queen's Plate is Canada's version of the Kentucky Derby where their best Canadian bred 3 year olds get to show their stuff and some nice horses have come from this race in the past like 1998 Breeders' Cup Classic winner Awesome Again.
Three days after being named the favorite for the Queen's Plate, Win City did not disappoint his backers when sent off as the 6-5 favorite.
7-1 shot Won Strike was sent to the front and set comfortable early fractions of 22.87 and 46.88 until he was passed by 13-1 longshot Brushing Bully, who had the lead after 3/4 miles in 1:12.29. Meanwhile, Win City under jockey Constant Montpellier saved ground and in a brief scary moment hit the rail on the first turn while tracking the pace in 4th position. Going four-wide around the turn to pass the tiring early pace-setters, Win City collared second favorite Millennium Allstar in midstretch after a mile in 1:39.37, and drew off for the 3 3/4-length win. Final time for the 1 1/8 miles was 1:52.08 over the fast track. The win was his third in a row, following victories in the Queenston and the Marine Stakes. The victory was bittersweet for his connections as 91-year-old co-owner Frank DiGiulio Sr. passed away just a week ago, leaving son Frank Jr. to continue the business.
Pgm Horse Jockey Win Place Show 2 Win City Montpellier 4.40 2.80 2.80 4 Millennium Allstar Landry 3.60 3.00 3 Brushing Bully Clark 3.50 Winning Time: 1:52.06 $2 Exacta 2-4 12.90Results Chart
The field of 6 breaks from the gate in the Plate Trial.
The field goes by the stands the first time with Won Strike, Legal Heir, and Brushing Bully leading the way.
Win City all alone at the finish. Jockey Constant Montpellier said, "Every race he has definitely improved. I was just a passenger today. I just took him to the outside and let him cruise around. I wasn't doing much. The rail seemed to be a good spot. I was pressured by another horse and actually took a bad step, so I couldn't wait to get out of there. I figured if they put more pressure on him, he could quit on me, but he is just too good. He can do anything he wants."
Win City was very calm and composed in the walking ring. Trainer Bob Tiller said, "He took a little funny step, I don't know what that was, but Constant [jockey Montpellier] said he pulled up good. Hopefully he's okay. I tried to be gradual with this horse. He seems to have stamina, he's carried weight. I think we're in good shape. Winning the Plate is a dream of a lifetime; we have to go out and do it like we did it today. It would be like winning the Stanley Cup."
The happy connections in the winner's circle. Owner Frank DiGiulio Jr. said, with voice cracking, "We're very happy. My whole family is here. We're just pinching ourselves that he is as good as he is. We just hope all stays well for the next three weeks. (Frank Sr.) had the best seat of all of us, I think. I'm sure he saw it, I believe that."
Second place finisher Millennium Allstar in the post parade. Jockey Robert Landry said, "He galloped out strong and finished well today, which is a positive thing. I'm looking forward to the big dance. I wouldn't trade him for anyone. I was a little further back than I really wanted to be. He got a little dirt in his face and climbed a little. I believe he's going to peak on the right day. Hopefully we can get CuJo [co-owner Curtis Joseph] a Queen's Plate trophy because he didn't get a Stanley Cup."
Third place finisher Brushing Bully in the walking ring. Assistant trainer Kevin Attard said, "It was more than what we were expecting. This horse was sick and we missed some time with him. We knew he needed this race. Definitely the 1 1/8 miles will help us out a lot for June 24. He's maturing at the right time, he's starting to fill out, he's putting on a lot of body weight and his coat's looking good, so he'll continue to progress."
On the Forum:
Photos by Cindy Pierson and Terence Dulay.
