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| Dixie Strike |
Post Positions have been drawn for the 153rd edition of the Queen's Plate, North America's most historic and Canada's most prestigious Horse Race, taking place this Sunday at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto. Canadian Gold Medal-winning Swimmer Mark Tewksbury had the honour of being Celebrity Drawmaster at the Race's Draw earlier today.
Concerns about the future of the Queen's Plate have been ever-present of late with the Ontario Government's plans to cancel Slots at Ontario Racetracks. Premier Dalton McGuinty announced earlier this year that Slots would be ended at all Ontario Racetracks by March 2013 due to recent changes in the Province's Gaming and Casino structure. Revenue generated from Slots have helped the Ontario Racing Industry thrive over the past decade, employing over 60k People and also fueling an increase in Race Purses, drawing more than ever, World Quality talent to Woodbine Racetrack.
The Field for the 2012 Queen's Plate is a competitive one with two Fillies - Dixie Strike & Irish Mission - set to tackle on the Boys:
1. River Rush
2. Peyton
3. Macho Whiskey
4. Strait of Dover
5. Classic Bryce
6. Wilcox
7. Golden Ridge
8. Ultimate Destiny
9. Colleen's Sailor
10. Dixie Strike
11. Making Amends
12. Big Creek
13. Washington Dash
1. River Rush
2. Peyton
3. Macho Whiskey
4. Strait of Dover
5. Classic Bryce
6. Wilcox
7. Golden Ridge
8. Ultimate Destiny
9. Colleen's Sailor
10. Dixie Strike
11. Making Amends
12. Big Creek
13. Washington Dash
14. Irish Mission
The 3-1 ($8 payout to a $2 bet) Favourite this year for the Race is Strait of Dover, who comes off three straight victories including a key Prep Race in May, the Marine Stakes. River Rush, who is peaking at the right time, is named the second choice at 4-1 ($10 payout to a $2 bet) odds. Golden Ridge is the third choice at 6-1 ($14 payout to a $2 bet).
Dixie Strike - Half-Sister to last year's Winner Inglorious - originally was named the Winterbook Favourite for the Race, but a lackluster performance early June has her pegged now as a Fringe Player.
To learn more about this year's Contenders, click here. You can still purchase tickets to the Queen's Plate on Ticketmaster here.
And don't forget to try the Official Queen's Plate Cocktail, The Blue Diamond - a scintillating combination of Blue Curaçao, Grey Goose Vodka, Cranberry, Lime and Soda.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)