TORONTO, June 24, 2026 – Yukon Striker, trained by Kevin Attard for TEC Racing, steps up to the stakes ranks for Saturday’s $150,000 Marine (G3), a key King’s Plate prep, at Woodbine. Set at 1 1/16 miles on the main track, the event for 3-year-olds has drawn six starters. With the 167th running of Canada’s historic horse race less than two months away, on Aug. 15, hopefuls will look to solidify themselves as contenders for the $1 million classic. A son of Maclean’s Music out of the unraced Stormy Atlantic mare Thee Pie, Yukon Striker will look to build off a pair of impressive performances to launch his career. The bay debuted last November at Woodbine at 5 ½ furlongs over the main track. Sent on his way as the 5-2 choice in the field of 11, Yukon Striker was forced in at the start and then steadied at the five-sixteenths, before striking front a furlong out en route to a one-length score. His 3-year-old debut on May 17 yielded a 1 ¾-length score over 6 furlongs on the main track. Yukon Striker and jockey Pietro Moran winning Race 9 on May 17, 2026 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo) “I think both races were impressive,” said Attard. “His first start this year, he broke inwards, but then he settled into stride nicely and showed a lot of good energy down the lane. “With any young horse, you hope to see them grow, mentally and physically, from 2 to 3 and he has done that and done it impressively.” Attard, who has three Plates to his name, in 2022 with the filly Moira, in 2024 with another filly, Caitlinhergrtness, and last year with Mansetti, is hoping Yukon Striker will get his shot in the 1 ¼-mile classic. “Obviously, the million-dollar question when it comes to racing in a $1 million dollar race is if a horse can get the distance. There’s no denying he has plenty of talent and we’d love to be in the Plate, so we will find out those answers as we go along.” The winner of 917 career races likes what he sees in the gelding. “He looks the part and every day he’s learning more and showing confidence in his abilities. It’s an exciting time of the year. You dream big and hope the dream becomes a reality for the owners, breeders and everyone associated with your Plate hopeful.” Yukon Striker was a $40,000 purchase at the CTHS Premier Yearling Sale. Richard Taylor is the groom. Recent works: Yukon Striker has posted four breezes since his May win, two at 4 panels and two at 6 panels, all on the Woodbine main track. On June 20, he covered 4 furlongs in :48.00. “If I had to take one thing away from them all, it’s that he’s a horse who wants to be out there in the mornings and wants to put the work in,” said Attard. “His last breeze was the perfect example of that – determined down the lane, strong to the finish and strong on the gallop out.” Fast Facts: Compactor, a Kentucky-bred son of Nirgal, won the inaugural running in 1956. Dual hall of fame trainer Roger Attfield has a record five Marine wins. Wagering menu for the Marine: Includes Rolling Double / Exacta / 0.20 Trifecta / 0.20 Superfecta / 0.20 Pick 3 (Races 6-7-8) / 0.20 Jackpot Power PK6 (Races 6-7-8-9-10-11) / $1 Swinger Field for the Marine Stakes (G3) Post – Horse – Jockey – Trainer 1 – Casson – Rafael Hernandez – Mark Casse 2 – Magical Factor – Kazushi Kimura – Rachel Halden 3 – Fire and Wine – Slade Jones – Zeljko Krcmar 4 – Yoshii – Fraser Aebly – Dale Desruisseaux 5 – Brachetto (S) – Ryan Munger – Julia Carey 6 – Yukon Striker – Pietro Moran – Kevin Attard Chris Lomon, for Woodbine Share This:Share
