May, 2022 | Horse Racing Free Tips

‘Tough Old Pro’ Hawkish Will Try To Regain Winning Ways In Cliff Hanger Stakes

It was shortly after trainer Jimmy Toner nominated Hawkish to Saturday's $100,000 Cliff Hanger Stakes at Monmouth Park that he happened to see a picture of the horse winning that exact same race hanging in his office.

But he said he never noticed the date on the photograph. Told it was May 4, 2019, he was surprised.

“Was it really three years ago? That's hard to believe,” said Toner. “I don't think he's won since then either.”

For a variety of reasons, that's true. Hawkish, who owns a Grade 2 victory from the 2018 Penn Mile, enters the 42nd running of the Cliff Hanger off a winless drought that has stretched 13 races now.

But that hasn't diminished Toner's confidence in the Kentucky-bred 7-year-old when it comes to Saturday's mile and a sixteenth turf feature that kicks off a busy three-day Memorial Day weekend of live racing.

“He's a tough old pro and he shows he still wants to do it,” said Toner. “We've just gone through so many different issues with him. It seems like every time we have him ready he comes up with a new issue. It's nothing ever too serious. Just enough to that you have to give him time.

“It takes a lot to get him ready and have him right. That's the whole thing.”

In addition to the Cliff Hanger – which will be followed by Sunday's $100,000 Jersey Derby and Monday's $100,000 Miss Liberty Stakes as the racing highlights of the holiday weekend – the three-day Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival will mark its return with 35 trucks.

As for Hawkish, the son of Artie Schiller, owned by A J Suited Racing Stable and Madaket Stables, will make his third start of the year on Saturday. His seasonal debut on Jan. 16 at Gulfstream resulted in a solid second-place finish but Toner then had to wait until April 16 before Hawkish was ready again. He finished eighth in a deep allowance race at Keeneland that day.

“I wanted to run him back before that but he had another little issue and he needed a race so we sent him there,” said Toner. “He needed that race. We're hoping the race at Monmouth is the right spot for him.

“When he's right he can be good. It's just a matter of getting him right. He's acting good right now and he's as good as he can be so we'll see how he does.”

Hawkish sports a 4-4-1 line from 20 career starts with earnings of $539,390.

A victory in the Cliff Hanger includes a free entry and start fees to the $600,000 Grade 1 United Nations on July 23.

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Queen’s Plate Tickets On Sale Thursday; Messier Tops Power Rankings

Tickets for the 163rd running of The Queen's Plate, Sunday, Aug. 21 at Woodbine Racetrack, go on sale Thursday morning at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster.ca.

The Queen's Plate, the first jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, is North America's oldest continuously run stakes event, showcasing Canada's top 3-year-old Thoroughbreds.

Recognized as one of Toronto's hottest summer events, this year's Queen's Plate will continue the great tradition of a fashion-forward day at the races, featuring live entertainment, unique dining experiences and world-class horse racing.

“The pageantry and vibrant energy of The Queen's Plate at Woodbine is truly one of our country's great annual events,” said Jim Lawson, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment. “Our team is excited to once again deliver one of the best parties of the summer on August 21.”

Guests attending this year's Queen's Plate can choose from the following admission, seating and dining options:

General Admission
Grandstand Seating
Ketel One Clubhouse Social
Trackside Apron Experience
Favourites Restaurant
Garden Party

To purchase tickets for the 163rd Queen's Plate, click here.

For the latest information of The Queen's Plate and events at Woodbine Racetrack, visit Woodbine.com or follow @WoodbineTB on social media.

Messier tops initial Queen's Plate Power Rankings

As part of the lead up to the 163rd running of The Queen's Plate, Woodbine will regularly release power rankings of the top eligible horses for this year's race.

The power rankings are determined based on votes submitted by a group of Woodbine broadcast personalities and industry media/handicappers. This year's voters are Jeff Bratt, Robert Geller, Ron Gierkink, Jason Portuondo, Sheri Riddoch and Monique Vág.

Queen's Plate Winterbook favourite Messier received five of the six first-place votes and tops the initial rankings.

Bred by Sam-Son Farms, Messier recently competed in the Kentucky Derby where he faded to finish 15th after being involved in a record-setting hot early pace battle. The son of Empire Maker had never missed the top-two in six prior starts, with his top results being victories in the Bob Hope (Gr. 3), Robert B. Lewis (Gr. 3) and a runner-up effort in the Santa Anita Derby (Gr. 1).

Messier shipped back to California for trainer Tim Yakteen following the Derby and his next start has not been confirmed.

Sea Glass Stables' The Minkster slots in second on the power rankings, receiving the only other first-place vote. The Daniel Vella trainee breezed five-furlongs on May 21 at Woodbine in 1:01:00 over the Tapeta surface.

The Minkster went two for two last season, which included a high-profile victory in the Coronation Futurity. The last horse to complete the Coronation Futurity-Queen's Plate double was Norcliffe in 1975.

Sovereign Award winner God of Love is ranked third despite being sidelined since March. Trainer Mark Casse told Woodbine Communications this week that God of Love is doing well and will start breezing again soon.

Owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Gary Barber, God of Love captured last season's Cup and Saucer Stakes and Grey Stakes (Gr. 3). His lone start of 2022 was a sixth-place finish in the Sam F. Davis (Gr. 3) at Tampa Bay.

Star filly Moira, who was rated third on The Queen's Plate Winterbook, is ranked fourth. The Kevin Attard trainee is the early-favourite for this year's Woodbine Oaks, presented by Budweiser, and her morning works are picking up towards her season debut.

The top-five is completed by Casse student Sir for Sure, who recently shipped up to Woodbine from Casse's training centre in Ocala, Florida. Sir for Sure won his lone start of 2022 in a Maiden Special Weight on February 5 at Gulfstream Park and was second in last November's Frost King Stakes at Woodbine.

The 163rd Queen's Plate is scheduled for Sunday, August 21 at Woodbine Racetrack. Tickets go on sale this Thursday (May 26).

Fans can track the power rankings and all information regarding the Queen's Plate by visiting QueensPlate.com and on Woodbine Entertainment's social media platforms via @WoodbineTB.

Queen's Plate Power Rankings (March 25, 2022)

Rank – Horse – Career Record – Earnings – Trainer – Points – First Place Votes

1: Messier – 7-3-3-0 – $435,600 – Tim Yakteen – 28 – 5
2: The Minkster – 2-2-0-0 – $166,223 – Daniel Vella – 17 – 1
3: God of Love – 5-2-0-0 – $212,993 – Mark Casse – 17 – 0
4: Moira – 2-1-1-0 – $149,415 – Kevin Attard – 14 – 0
5: Sir for Sure – 3-1-1-0 – $53,542 – Mark Casse – 6 – 0

Honourable Mention: Ironstone, Duke of Love, Dancin in Da'Nile Sahlabiya

Voter Comments:

Messier

“Kentucky Derby is a total toss, but still have questions should they decide to run (at Woodbine) with surface being one of them. Back class alone warrants favouritism.” – Sheri Riddoch

“Could be pointed to the Plate after a disappointing Kentucky Derby.” – Ron Gierkink

“Cooked by hot pace of Kentucky Derby, but dangerous on front end with the right scenario despite some distance concerns.” – Robert Geller

“Derby runner is kind of like the 2022 Weyburn. He's the top pick if he shows up but will likely stay south of the 49th.” – Jason Portuondo

The Minkster

“Possesses natural speed as seen on the stretch out in the Coronation Futurity to stay undefeated. Bred to handle turf too.” – Robert Geller

“Winner of the Coronation Futurity – only race twice and won both by daylight.” – Sheri Riddoch

“Looking to break the curse of the Coronation Futurity.” – Jeff Bratt

God of Love

“Cup and Saucer/Grey champ is working his way back after injury.” – Jason Portuondo

“Champion 2-Year-Old has been idle since Sam Davis. Has run on all three surfaces which is an asset.” – Sheri Riddoch

“A very talented Casse trainee that should appreciate the added furlongs.” – Monique Vág

Moira

“Yet to make her 2022 debut but has shown natural talent.” – Sheri Riddoch

“Princess Elizabeth heroine shows strong works gearing up for sophomore debut.” – Jason Portuondo

Sir for Sure

“Up-and-comer graduated on the Tapeta at Gulfstream.” – Ron Gierkink

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Dual-Hemisphere Star Imperador Returns Home To Stand In Argentina

Imperador, a classic winner in his native Argentina and a Grade 2 winner in the U.S., has been retired from racing to begin his stallion career at Haras Chenaut in Argentina, the South American publication Turf Diario reports.

The 6-year-old son of Treasure Beach finished his on-track career with four wins in 14 starts, earning $538,268. He last raced for the partnership of Bonne Chance Farm and Stud RDI, trained by Paulo Lobo.

Born in Argentina, Imperador began racing in his hime country as a 3-year-old, in a season that was highlighted by a victory in the Group 1 Argentine 2,000 Guineas. He added another Group 1 win as a 4-year-old in the Miguel Alfredo Martinez de Hoz.

Over the summer of 2020, Imperador was relocated to the U.S., where he quickly jumped into graded stakes competition. The following season, he finished second in the G1 United Nations Stakes at Monmouth Park, and he closed his career with a victory in the G2 Calumet Turf Cup Stakes at Kentucky Downs.

Though he will stand in Argentina, Beto Figueiredo told Turf Diario that Brazilian-based Stud RDI will support Imperador with mares.

Bred by Haras Rio Dois Irmaos S. R. L., Imperador is out of the British-born Danehill mare Duchess Royale.

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NYRA Releases Post Times For Belmont Stakes Racing Festival

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced the post times for the three-day 2022 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, which is highlighted by the 154th running of the Grade 1, $1.5 million Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets on Saturday, June 11.

The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival kicks off on Thursday, June 9 and will include 17 stakes races in total with eight Grade 1 races to be contested on Belmont Stakes Day.

Day 1 of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival on Thursday, June 9 is a twilight racing program featuring nine races with a first post of 3:05 p.m. Eastern. First post on the 11-race Friday, June 10 card is 12:50 p.m. First post on Belmont Stakes Day, which will feature 13 races, is 11:20 a.m.

In addition to the 154th running of the Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets on June 11, that day's card will include three Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In” qualifiers: the one-mile Grade 1, $1 million Hill 'n' Dale Metropolitan Handicap for 3-year-olds and up [Dirt Mile]; the Grade 1, $500,000 Ogden Phipps for older fillies and mares 4-years-old and up going 1 1/16 miles on the main track [Distaff]; and the Grade 1, $400,000 Jaipur for 3-year-olds and up going six furlongs on turf [Turf Sprint].

The blockbuster Belmont Stakes Day card will also feature the Grade 1, $750,000 Resorts World Casino Manhattan for 4-year-olds and up going 1 1/4 miles on turf; the Grade 1, $500,000 Acorn for 3-year-old fillies going one mile; the Grade 1, $500,000 Longines Just a Game for fillies and mares 4-years-old and up at one mile on the turf; the Grade 1, $400,000 Woody Stephens presented by Mohegan Sun in a seven-furlong sprint over Big Sandy for 3-year-olds; and the Grade 2, $400,000 Brooklyn Invitational, a 1 1/2-mile test for 4-year-olds and up.

The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival opens with three stakes races on Thursday, June 9, including the Grade 2, $200,000 Wonder Again, a nine-furlong turf test for 3-year-old fillies offering an automatic invite to the Grade 1 Belmont Oaks Invitational to the top-three finishers. Rounding out the June 9 card are a pair of $150,000 sprints for 2-year-olds at 5 1/2-furlongs on the main track led by the Astoria for fillies and the Tremont.

On June 10, the Grade 1, $750,000 New York, a 10-furlong turf test for older fillies and mares will headline a day featuring five graded stakes. Also featured on the June 10 card are the Grade 2, $400,000 Belmont Gold Cup, the Grade 2, $300,000 True North; the Grade 2, $300,000 Bed o' Roses; and the Grade 3, $200,000 Intercontinental.

For additional information and details on hospitality offerings, ticket packages and pricing, visit BelmontStakes.com. For full terms and conditions, visit https://www.belmontstakes.com/tickets.

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