162nd Queen’s Plate Power Rankings: Weyburn unanimous No. 1

TORONTO, July 16, 2021 – Woodbine Entertainment today released its first edition of Power Rankings for the 162^nd Queen’s Plate.

The 162^nd Queen’s Plate will take place on Sunday, August 22 at Woodbine Racetrack. Canada’s most famous horse race will launch the 2021 OLG Canadian Triple Crown, which includes the Prince of Wales on September 14 at Fort Erie and the Breeders’ Stakes on October 3 at Woodbine.

The Power Rankings highlight the most talented three-year-old Thoroughbreds eligible to enter for a spot in the $1-million race. Votes are cast by expert horseplayers and racing personalities from Woodbine and the Daily Racing Form: Jeff Bratt, Robert Geller, Ron Gierkink, Doug McPherson, Jason Portuondo and Monique Vág. The rankings are based on votes following a points system (five points for a first-place vote, four points for second-place vote, etc.) for top five selections, and honourable mentions.

The Queen’s Plate Winterbook favourite Weyburn is the unanimous number one contender on the initial Queen’s Plate Power Rankings, receiving a first-place vote from all six voters. The Jimmy Jerkens trainee captured the Grade 3 Gotham back in March at Aqueduct and was most recently second in the TVG.com Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth on June 13.

Weyburn’s next start is expected to be the Grade 2 Jim Dandy on July 31 at Saratoga. Ron Gierkink of the Daily Racing Form noted, with a good showing in the Jim Dandy, the Chiefswood Stables homebred would then likely head to the Grade 1 Travers and not the Queen’s Plate.

“The Gotham champ and Pegasus runner-up is clearly the top ranked horse based on success versus graded company in the U.S.,” noted Jason Portuondo. “If he comes for the Plate it’s a race for second place.”

After Weyburn, Hombre and Keep Grinding totaled the same number of voting points. Hombre received the tiebreaker with more second-place votes.

Sporting the fewest number of starts among the horses receiving votes with just two to date, the Barclay Tagg trainee Hombre turned heads with his maiden-breaking score on July 4 at Belmont. Keep Grinding also garnered attention thanks to his most recent outing, finishing second in the Grade 3 Marine Stakes for trainer Tino Attard.

Sam-Son Farm’s Tio Magico and Tidal Forces complete the initial 162^nd Queen’s Plate Power Rankings for trainer Gail Cox.

Tio Magico is a two-time winner on synthetic, most recently winning the Queenston Stakes on July 11. Tidal Forces, who started his career two for two before running fifth in the Grade 3 Marine, uniquely makes the top-five after receiving votes from just two of the six panel members. The voters that submitted Tidal Forces each had him second on their list.

The 162^nd Queen’s Plate is scheduled for Sunday, August 22 at Woodbine Racetrack. Additional event details will be announced soon. Fans can track the Power Rankings and all information regarding the Queen’s Plate by visiting QueensPlate.com and on Woodbine Entertainment’s social media platforms via @WoodbineTB.

Queen’s Plate Power Rankings (Week 1 – July 16, 2021)

Rank – Horse – Career Record – Earnings – Trainer – Points – First Place Votes

1 – Weyburn – 6-2-2-0 – $307,520 – Jimmy Jerkens – 30 – 6

2 – Hombre – 2-1-0-0 – $53,100 – Barclay Tagg – 11 – 0

3 – Keep Grinding – 5-1-1-1 – $87,892 – Tino Attard – 11 – 0

4 – Tio Magico – 8-2-1-1 – $153,242 – Gail Cox – 9 – 0

5 – Tidal Forces – 3-2-0-0 – $65,867 – Gail Cox – 8 – 0

Honourable Mention: Stephen, Safe Conduct, Dance Some Mo

Voter Comments (Queen’s Plate Power Rankings – Week 1)

Weyburn:
“Game second in the Pegasus.  If connections change plans and come for the Plate he is the horse to beat.” – Jeff Bratt (Woodbine)

Hombre:
“Late bloomer is exiting an impressive second-out maiden score on the grass at Belmont.” – Ron Gierkink (DRF)

Keep Grinding:
“Solid second in graded stakes debut to Kentucky bred Easy Time, recording career-best 84 beyer. The son of Tizway can’t be discounted if he continues to trend in the right direction.” – Jason Portuondo (Woodbine)

Tio Magico:
“Only multiple winner on synthetic got back to winning ways recently taking seven-furlong event. Confidence building victory puts him firmly back in the Queen’s Plate hunt for Sam-Son Farms.” – Jason Portuondo (Woodbine)

Tidal Forces:
“Connections are always major players in the Queen’s Plate.” – Monique Vág (Woodbine)

Stephen:
“Likely needed his first start of the year. Should move up versus his own age group.” – Jeff Bratt (Woodbine)

Safe Conduct:
“Found Grade I company a little too salty but didn’t disgrace himself in Belmont Invite. Tapeta is a question mark for son of Bodemeister who could be a threat to our locals in the 1 ¼ mile classic.” – Jason Portuondo (Woodbine)