March 11, 2010

Hollinger heads Queen’s Plate Winterbook

Undefeated three-year-old Hollinger was today installed the early 5-2 favourite for the 151st edition of the Queen’s Plate.

Last year, Sam-Son Farm’s Eye of the Leopard rallied in deep stretch to defeat Mr. Foricos Two U and Milwaukee Appeal to take the winner’s share of the $1 million purse. The son of A.P. Indy was 40-1 in the Winterbook.

The current leader of this year’s crop, Hollinger improved his record to a perfect 4-for-4 in a thrilling renewal of the 1 1/8-mile Coronation Futurity, last October. On the strength of this victory and his flawless record, he went on to be voted Canada’s champion two-year-old male.

The gray gelding is trained by Hall of Famer Roger Attfield, who is one tally from establishing a new record for Queen’s Plate victories by a trainer. With eight Plate scores on his resume, Attfield currently shares the record with Harold Giddings, Jr. Attfield said Hollinger is in training at Payson Park in Florida and is nearing his first workout of 2010.

Hollinger is owned by Bob Harvey and Al Wortzman, who also bred the son of Black Minnaloushe. Tyler Pizarro has piloted Hollinger in all four starts.

The Queen’s Plate is set for July 4 at Woodbine. The race will air on CBC in high definition.

The Winterbook’s second-choice is Sam-Son Farm homebred Hotep, who is a full-brother to last year’s Queen’s Plate hero Eye of the Leopard. The colt has stayed in serious training this winter and has competed at the Fair Grounds, where he was a 3 ¼-length allowance winner on February 1.

Rounding out the top-five list are Display Stakes runner-up Giant’s Tomb (5-1), who is also a Sam-Son homebred, multiple stakes-winner Ghost Fleet (6-1) and D’s Wando (8-1), who closed fast to finish third in the Coronation Futurity.

The 86th edition of the Winterbook, which was compiled by Adam Hickman of Woodbine’s Racing Communications department, offers early odds on all 100 three-year-olds, 96 colts and geldings, as well as four fillies, nominated to the 2009 Canadian Triple Crown.

Racing fans can also participate in the Plate chase by playing the 10th annual Queen’s Plate Fantasy Challenge at www.queensplate.com. The contest, which launches on March 22, is free, with prizes available to be won.

To view the Top 10 Winterbook Favourites, Queen’s Plate nominees (100) and more, please click here.

(WEG)

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