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Queen’s Plate Power Rankings Revealed

The 162nd edition of the Queen’s Plate will take place on Sunday, August 22 at Woodbine Racetrack. On Friday Woodbine Entertainment released the official power ranking of the most talented three-year-old Thoroughbred horses that will be competing in the highly-awaited summer  CA$1 million event. The ratings are determined by horseplayers and analysts from the industry.

The rankings are based on votes following a point system, as a first-place vote guarantees five points, second gets four, and etcetera for top 5 and honorable mentions. The votes are by expert horseplayers and racing personalities from Woodbine and the Daily Racing Form: Jeff Bratt, Robert Geller, Ron Gierkink, Doug McPherson, Jason Portuondo, and Monique Vág.

Favorite for the Top Spot

As per the official rankings for the 162nd edition of the Queen’s Plate, Weyburn is the undisputed candidate to win the competition, as has received a first-place vote from all six experts. The Jimmy Jerkens trained horse has dominated the Grade 3 Gotham in March at the Aqueduct and most recently came second in the TVG.com Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth on June 13.

Weyburn is next scheduled to participate in Grade 2 Jim dandy on July 31 at Saratoga Race Course. Ron Gierkink stated that a great performance at the Jim Dandy would place the Chiefswood Stables homebred in the head to the Grade 1 Travers. Jason Partuondo said that the horse is his favorite for the number 1 spot at the Queen’s Plate this summer.

Then in the power rankings, Hombre and Keep Grinding collected the same amount of voting points. However, Hombre won the tie as it has more second-place votes. Keep Grinding is also a possible winner as he caught the attention in his recent performance in the Grade 3 Marine Stakes for Tino Attard and finished second.

Sam-Son Farm’s Tio Magico and Tidal Forces will also take part in the annual CA$1 million racing event for trainer Gail Cox. Tio Magico is a two-times winner on synthetic, as most recently won the Queenston Stakes on July 11. Tidal Forces who managed to record two-for-two prior to his fifth place in the Grade 3 Marine, also makes the top 5 voted after receiving support from only two of the six experts.

Internships Available

Previously, Woodbine Entertainment revealed that the company is offering two Standardbred Racing Internship positions. This is a huge opportunity for anyone who is determined to take a closer look at how the horse racing industry operates behind the curtains. The application process is now open and candidates can submit their applications. The hourly wage will be CA$18 and working hours will be 40 per week.

More Details on Fans Return

Most recently, the horse racing leader provided an update on the fans’ return at its Woodbine Mohawk Park property. Guests of the track will be able to once again access indoor wagering and simulcasting at specifically designated Racebook sections. However, according to the province’s protocols capacity is currently limited and individuals must first make an appointment in order to attend.

Source: “Weyburn Leads the Queen’s Plate Power Rankings”, Past the Wire, July 16, 2021