TORONTO, February 1, 2018 – An international roster of 360 three-year-old Thoroughbreds made eligible to the 2018 U.S. Triple Crown races during the early nomination phrase includes seven Canadian-breds. The Canadian-bred nominees are led by Gary Barber’s three-year-old filly Wonder Gadot, who was bred by Anderson Farms Ont. Inc. Trained by Mark Casse, the Medaglia d’Oro-Loving Vindication filly is a two-time graded stakes winner courtesy of her Mazarine (Gr. 3) score on October 7 at Woodbine and Demoiselle (Gr. 2) triumph on December 2 at Aqueduct. She is the most accomplished of the foursome of nominated fillies. Other Canadian-bred contenders include Alternative Route, Readyforperfection, Redoute’s Light, Scat Big Dad, Scrapper and Telekinesis. Wonder Gadot winning the Mazarine Stakes on October 7, 2017 at Woodbine. (Michael Burns Photo) The 2018 Triple Crown will open Saturday, May 5 with the 144th running of the 1-1/4 mile Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Woodbine Racetrack will be hosting its second annual Derby Day Party in the Trackside Tent featuring fabulous food, fashion and entertainment. To purchase General Admission tickets, visit Ticketmaster.ca. The 143rd Preakness, the 1-3/16 mile second jewel of the Triple Crown, is set for Saturday, May 18 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The 150th running of the Belmont Stakes, the series’ 1-1/2 mile final leg, is scheduled for Saturday, June 9 at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. Early nominations to the 2018 Triple Crown closed January 20. Each nomination was accompanied by payment of a $600 fee to make the individual Thoroughbred eligible to compete in any or all of the Triple Crown contests. A late nomination period, which requires a payment of $6,000 for each nominated three-year-old, is now underway and will continue through Monday, March 19. (With files from Kentucky Derby) Share This:Share
