Imperial Monarch ready for his Woodbine debut in the Canadian International Stakes
Trained by Aidan O’Brien for owners Mrs. John ‘Susan’ Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith the 3-year-old Imperial Monarch is ready to make his Woodbine debut by participating in the Canadian Grade 1, $1.5 million Pattison Canadian International Stakes on 14 October, 2012, over a distance of 1 1/2 miles on turf.
The Ireland bred colt by Galileo will be part of an international lineup of top contenders from different corners of the world for a chance to make it to the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf on 3 November, 2012, at Santa Anita Park.
The Pattison Canadian International, a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” 1 ½ mile Challenge race for the Breeders’ Cup Turf, and with an automatic berth in the race, the winner will enjoy the entry fees paid and also with a travel allowance.
On 11 October, the post position draw saw Imperial Monarch installed as the 3 to 1 favourite, and with the weight of 119 pounds, the Aidan O’Brien trainee will break from post number 10 under jockey Ryan Moore.
Out of Slip Anchor mare Ionian Sea, Imperial Monarch is a winner of three starts out of four, and his only blemish came when he was left with no room in the homestretch and was shuffled back to finish eighth in the French Derby, the Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly on 3 June, 2012.
The Pattison Canadian International Stakes, will be Imperial Monarch’s first run since emphatically winning the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris by a head on 14 July at Longchamp.
"I think he's had so little racing that he's still learning (about a preferred racing style," said T.J. Comerford, assistant to O'Brien. "The last time, he made the pace. It didn't bother him. He's got a great temperament. I just hope we see him at his best on Sunday. He's been off for three months but at the same time, we're getting him here thinking we've got him spot on. He's got loads of ability. It depends on how competitive a race it is."
Imperial Monarch will be the lightest on the field 11, where the highweight will be 126 pounds.
Tags: