TORONTO, July 29, 2022 – Woodbine today released its latest rankings of the top contenders for this year’s 163rd running of The Queen’s Plate. The Queen’s Plate Power Rankings are determined based on votes submitted by a group of Woodbine broadcast personalities, industry media members and handicappers. This year’s voters are Jeff Bratt, Robert Geller, Ron Gierkink, Chris Lomon, Sheri Riddoch and Monique Vág. After an eye-popping 10 ¾ length victory in the Woodbine Oaks presented by Budweiser, star filly Moira now holds the top spot after garnering five of the six first-place votes. The Kevin Attard trainee is now two for two this season and three for four lifetime. Moira is owned by the group of X-Men Racing, Madaket Stables LLC and SF Racing LLC. Her connections noted after Sunday’s victory that The Queen’s Plate is certainly on their radar, with trainer Attard stating “as long as she comes out fine, I’m sure we’re willing to give it a try.” Moira and jockey Rafael Hernandez winning the Woodbine Oaks presented by Budweiser on July 24. (Michael Burns photo) Rondure drops down to number two for the latest rankings. The Katerina Vassilieva trainee last competed in the Grade 3 Marine Stakes on July 2, posting a dominant score of his own. He is owned and bred by Borders Racing Stable Ltd. Duke of Love remains ranked at number three following a fourth-place finish in Sunday’s Plate Trial Stakes after a traffic-troubled trip. The Josie Carroll student looms as a major contender for MyRacehorse. The Minkster drops two spots to number four after suffering the first loss of his career in Sunday’s Plate Trial. The Daniel Vella trainee had previously sported a perfect three for three record for Sea Glass Stables LLC. Sir for Sure completes the top-five after a 21-1 upset victory in the Plate Trial. The Mark Casse trainee enjoyed the step up in distance and is now a prominent player for Heste Sport Inc. The 163rd Queen’s Plate is scheduled for Sunday, August 21 at Woodbine Racetrack. Tickets are on sale now. Fans can track the power rankings and all information regarding the Queen’s Plate by visiting QueensPlate.com and on Woodbine’s social media platforms via @WoodbineTB. Queen’s Plate Power Rankings (July 29, 2022) Rank: Horse (Career Record, Earnings) – Trainer – Points (First Place Votes) – Previous Rank 1: Moira (4-3-1-0, $440,331) – Kevin Attard – 29 (5) – HM 2: Rondure (5-2-1-0, $152,735) – Katerina Vassilieva – 25 (1) – 1st 3: Duke of Love (6-2-1-0, $127,656) – Josie Carroll – 9 – 3rd 4: The Minkster (4-3-0-0, $226,059) – Daniel Vella – 8 – 2nd 5: Sir for Sure (5-2-1-0, $124,198) – Mark Casse – 7 – NR Voter Comments: Moira “Overcame pre-race antics for a breathtaking performance in the Oaks and ran faster than the boys did in the Plate Trial.” – Jeff Bratt “Probable Plate favorite ran lights-out in the Woodbine Oaks, without wearing hind shoes.” – Ron Gierkink Rondure “Huge win in the Grade 3 Marine Stakes showing new dimension stalking the speed and drawing away.” – Sheri Riddoch “The real surprise packet of the three-year-old division, he will enter The Queen’s Plate fresh after crushing rivals in the Marine Stakes. Can unleash a powerful sustained run.” – Robert Geller “The 96 Beyer he got when romping in the Grade 3 Marine is among the highest in a Plate prep in the synthetic era at Woodbine.” – Ron Gierkink Duke of Love “Had run but absolutely nowhere to go in the Plate Trial. With a better trip, and continued improvement, he might be a very live longshot on Plate day.” – Monique Vág The Minkster “Queenston winner was rank in the Plate Trial. Deserves a mulligan for the first loss of his career.” – Jeff Bratt Sir for Sure “Big gelding appreciated added ground in the Plate Trial. Appears to be peaking at the right time.” – Jeff Bratt “Looked the part before the Plate Trial and won accordingly when suited by the step up in distance. Shows stamina and is coming round at the right time.” – Robert Geller Share This:Share
