Fillies unsuccessful in overtaking Strait Of Dover in the Queen's Plate Stakes at Woodbine
Fillies showed an excellent performance in the $1 million event, but it was certainly Strait Of Dover’s day, as he beat the likes of Irish Mission and Dixie Strike to ensure the top position in the Queen's Plate Stakes, held at Woodbine on Sunday, June 24th.
On the fast ground, the contestants performed magnificently, and it was indeed an entertaining event. In the hands of jockey Daniel J Vella - J. Stein’s charge established his dominance right from the start.
He was well in command in the last furlong, and despite the fact that Irish Mission came up with a serious challenge, the 3-year-old colt managed to retain his advantage.
Following a tremendous effort, the dashing runner secured the top status by one and a quarter lengths, winning the top prize worth £379,746.84.
Under A. Solis, Irish Mission was equally fascinating right through the race. After a decent start, she progressed steadily and kept pumping up her speed slowly but surely. An outstanding effort helped the filly finish second inside the final furlong.
Although, she kept the leader under tremendous pressure, Strait Of Dover was almost uncatchable. As a result, the Mark Frostad trained filly could only seize the runner-up place by 3 ¾ lengths.
“We’ll definitely look at the Prince of Wales. She loves the dirt. She trains here at the training track, every day,” said the Queen's Plate winner horseman.
The third spot went to another talented filly, Dixie Strike. Mark Casse’s trainee held up in last early on, but made an outstanding recovery. She ran on to finish third inside the final 100yds, but was never a threat to, Irish Mission.
“All winter, at Palm Meadows, she was training better on the dirt than any horse I had. There’s a good shot we could go to the Prince of Wales,” said trainer Mark Casse.
It was their second meeting this season and the fillies could face each other for the third time in the Prince of Wales next month.
Colleen's Sailor finished fourth, whereas Ultimate Destiny fifth. Roger Attfield, who trains Colleen’s Sailor, said after the race: “I couldn’t have expected anything better, with just two races, going in. He ran his race, for sure.”
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