July 4, 2010
The estimated crowd of 30,000 at Woodbine on Sunday for the Queen's Plate enjoyed summer weather with sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 80's, along with the visit of Queen Elizabeth II as part of her Royal Tour of Canada. They were also treated to two other stakes races on the undercard, both run over the E.P. Taylor Turf Course which is outside of the main Polytrack oval, rated firm after several days without rain, hot weather, and a warm breeze.
Kicking off the stakes action on Plate day was the $200,000 Highlander Stakes (G2) presented by Ricoh, a 6 furlong sprint on the turf for older horses, upgraded from Grade 3 last year. Field Commission was sent off as the 2-1 favorite in the field of 7 off a close second in the Connaught Cup (G3). In to challenge him included 5-2 second choice Signature Red, an allowance winner last out after finishing 3rd in the Vigil (G3), and 4-1 third choice Jungle Wave off a 3rd place finish in the Connaught.
Heros Reward went to the lead down the backstretch and he was stalked to his outside by Signature Red through fast early fractions of 22.50 and 44.94 over the firm going. Turning for home, Signature Red passed the pacesetter gaining a short lead to set up a duel to the line. Heros Reward fought back but Signature Red dug in late to prevail by a neck in 1:08.17. It was just 1/2 a length back to late-running Jungle Wave third, while favorite Field Commission was fourth.
Results chart from DRF
