July 4, 2010
The $1 million Queen's Plate Stakes at Woodbine is North America's oldest continuously-run stakes race, celebrating its 151th renewal. Queen Elizabeth II was on hand to present the trophy, in her first visit to Woodbine since 1997. A field of 13 three-year-olds foaled in Canada contested his 1 1/4 mile Polytrack classic, on a very warm Sunday afternoon with temperatures in the upper 90's. Mobilizer was sent off as the 7-2 favorite off his runner-up finish in the Plate Trial, despite only having 1 win in 4 lifetime starts. In to challenge the Frank Stronach homebred included 4-1 second choice Roan Inish, one of two fillies in the race, exiting a win in the Woodbine Oaks for breeder Robert Costigan, and 5-1 third choice Big Red Mike, winner of the Plate Trial last out for breeder Terra Farms.
Big Red Mike and Hotep battled for the lead through easy fractions of 24.43, 49.39, and 1:14.31, while Dark Cloud Dancer and favorite Mobilizer contested third another 1 1/2 lengths back. Entering the stretch, the front pair continued to battle, getting the mile in 1:38.74. Roan Inish, 8th early, came through between horses for the drive but the front two took full advantage of the slow early pace, running 1-2 for the entire distance. Big Red Mike kicked away to win by 1 1/2 lengths over Hotep in 2:04.89 while Roan Inish was another 1 1/4 lengths back in third. Favorite Mobilizer finished a disappointing 10th.
