Inglorious Set as Early Queens Plate Winterbook Favorite
Although the $1 million Queen's Plate at Woodbine Racecourse in Ontario, Canada is still three months away, as one of Canada's biggest races, its runners always attract a lot of attention, such as early 'winterbook' favourite, Inglorious.
Open to three-year-old Canadian-breds, the 1 1/4 mile Queen's Plate is limited to 17 runners each year, and according to the winterbook, the Josie Carroll-trained Inglorious has been laid as the early 4/1 choice, a filly currently in New Orleans.
Compiled each year by Adam Hickman of Woodbine Racecourse's media communications department, the Queen's Plate winterbook lists the hypothetical odds for the 109 or so Canadian-bred three-year-olds that are eligible for that year's race.
Inglorious was unbeaten in her only two Woodbine starts last year, including the Ontario Lassie Stakes. Plus, she came second to the talented Kathmanblu in her most recent start in February's Rachel Alexandra Stakes (Gr 3) over 1 1/16 miles.
Second favorite is 5/1 shot Queens'platekitten, who won a 1 1/16 mile trip at Woodbine in December in only his second race. Sold and relocated to Gulfstream Park, he won a first-level allowance over 1 mile in February for new trainer, Todd Pletcher.
Third favorite is 6/1 shot Bowman's Causeway, who finished fourth in last Saturday's Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park over 1 1/8 miles. However, the Patrick Biancone-trained runner won his maiden over 1 1/8 miles in his previous start.
The fourth and fifth favorites in the 2011 Queen's Plate winterbook are 8/1 Todd Pletcher-trained colt Sensational Slam and 10/1 Mike DePaulo-trained Pender's Harbour, who won 2 out of 3 races last year at Woodbine against restricted company.
