TORONTO, June 5, 2026 – The road to the Woodbine Oaks and King’s Plate continues this weekend with a couple of 7-furlong main track races for Canadian foaled 3-year-old guys and gals. Trainer Mark Casse has won the last three consecutive runnings of the filly event, most recently in 2025 with 3-year-old champion female Winterberry, who went on to finish third in the Oaks. Moira took the 2022 edition, and we all know what she went on to accomplish in her career. Notorious Gangster, for Josie Carroll, was the victor in the male counterpart last year, who then went on to finish second in the Plate Trial and third in the big event. My Boy Prince took the honours in 2024 and finished runner-up in the rescheduled version of the King’s Plate due to the monsoon that year. He has continued on to win the G2 Shakertown at Keeneland and was runner-up in the G1 Jaipur and G1T Woodbine Mile. These races have certainly proven to be productive. Here is my look at the Fury and Queenston: Fury Stakes – Saturday, Race 9 Top Selection: #6 Piper’s Gift – Forgive her fourth-place result over a yielding turf course at Aqueduct – the ground probably wasn’t what she preferred, and she had to come off Lasix to compete. On the positive, that start should benefit her along with switching back to the synthetic surface where she is undefeated. Princess Elizabeth winner should also appreciate having her regular pilot Hernandez back in the saddle. Piper’s Gift. Michael Burns Photography Wildcard #4 Corsia Veloce – She has been nothing but impressive so far in her career, which was sidelined after her G1 Natalma victory, but there has only been one next-out winner from that event from nine starters – Dixie Law (three- time stakes winner). Her form moved up significantly when she moved to the grass even though she won on debut sprinting over the Tapeta surface, but that one synthetic race is all we really have to go on. Can she win? Sure – but she does have questions. Corsia Veloce. Michael Burns Photography Longshot #2 Katie’s Grace – Was runner-up to Piper’s Gift in the Princess Elizabeth along with finishing third to Dixie Law prior to that in the G3 Mazarine. Her 2026 debut was flat, however the addition of Lasix may be what she needs to help her take that next step forward. Katie’s Grace. Michael Burns Photography The Play – $20 win bet #6 Piper’s Gift * Queenston Stakes – Sunday, Race #8 Top Selection: # 5 Military Time – Son of the six-time G1 winning Gun Runner, put himself on notice with an eye-catching victory in his first of the season throwing down an 81 Beyer – which is the highest of this field. Wintering in Florida looks to have served him well and has been working forwardly since that campaign opening romp. Military Time. Michael Burns Photography Wildcard: #4 Amore Mio – Cupid gelding hasn’t made a start yet this season and while his numbers are on the lower side, anything can happen with these youngsters. Interesting to note he finished ahead of Fire and Wine over the inner turf course when breaking his maiden – that rival went on to win his next two including the Coronation Futurity. Longshot: #1 Brachetto – Takes a big step up in class after a very gutsy maiden breaking score first off his winter vacation. There looks to be ample pace in this group which would suit this stalking fella just perfectly. He worked a bullet in preparation on May 31st for this acid test. The play: $20 wager – $10 win #5 military Time, $2 exacta key 5/all ($10) Share This:Share
