June 21, 2009
A field of 13 three-year-olds foaled in Canada went to post on Sunday afternoon in the 150th renewal of the $1 million Queen's Plate, the longest continuously-run stakes race in North America and the first jewel in Canada's Triple Crown. Plate Trial Stakes winner Eye of the Leopard was sent off ast the 2-1 favorite in the 1 1/4 mile Polytrack test, over two fillies exiting the Woodbine Oaks and making their first starts against males. Oaks winner Milwaukee Appeal was the 4-1 second choice over runner-up Tasty Temptation at 9-2.
Reservoir and Mr. Foricos Two U battled on the front end first time past the stands and around the clubhouse turn through an early pace of 24.05 and 48.11. Under new jockey Mike Smith, Mr. Foricos Two U pulled a length in front on the far turn through 6f in 1:12.93, and led the procession into the home straight, getting 1 mile in 1:37.41. Eye of the Leopard and regular jockey Eurico Rosa da Silva, fourth on the backstretch, moved up to challenge for the lead at the 3/16 pole. The pair dueled for the final 1 1/2 furlongs, while Milwaukee Appeal and jockey Stewart Elliott put in their rally on the far outside after racing sixth early. The threesome hit the line together, with Eye of the Leopard prevaling by a neck in 2:03.84 over Mr. Foricos Two U, and it was another head back to Milwaukee Appeal third. It was a long 2 3/4 lengths back to late-running Tasty Temptation fourth.
Results chart from DRF
Undercard results - There were two other stakes on the card, both on the turf course. Smart Enough won the 6 furlong Highlander Stakes (G3) and Musketier won the 1 1/2 mile Singspiel Stakes (G3).
