Betting with, and against, Moira in the Queen's Plate

A total of 11 sophomores will contest the first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown in Sunday’s $1 million Queen’s Plate at Woodbine. The oldest, continuously-run race in North America attracted a diverse field of prospects, led by Woodbine Oaks starlet #8 Moira (3-1), who will tackle the boys on this occasion. By Ghostzapper, the Ontario-bred filly is a half-length shy of being unbeaten from four career outings, but she takes an obvious class rise on Sunday against the toughest field she has yet to face.

Moira drew off by 10 lengths while running 1 1/8 miles last time out and should have little to no trouble negotiating 10 furlongs in this endeavor. The bay arguably possesses the most dynamic turn of foot in the cast for conditioner Kevin Attard, and she will be difficult to deny late with her best performance beneath Rafael Hernandez.

The Mark Casse-trained #10 Sir for Sure (8-1) is 2-for-2 when routing on the synthetic, led by a decisive two-length triumph in the Plate Trial on the oval last time. Gelded son of Sligo Bay is bred to run all day and seems the type who could flourish in this kind of race in his third run off the short absence. Sir for Sure has improved his Brisnet Speed number in two straight and will aim to give his conditioner a third victory in the race. Declan Carroll will guide the improving bay.

#6 Rondure (3-1) has been excellent this season and rates a logical chance at winning with his top showing. By Oxbow, the three-year-old colt commenced the season with a 10-length maiden romp, and following a close second in the Queenston S., the Ontario-bred decimated his foes when driving clear to a 5 1/2-length win in the Marine S. (G3) most recently. The bay has put in a few nice morning drills in the interim, and it’s a huge deal that Flavien Prat comes in to guide the exciting win contender.

I also expect improvement from Todd Pletcher’s #11 Causin’ Mayhem (6-1) in his second run on the course. Into Mischief colt led early before finishing third in the Plate Trial in his latest offering, and I feel that the outside draw could be advantageous to his running style as well. Chiefswood Stables homebred will have Antonio Gallardo in the controls.

Moira – With

• $10 trifecta key 8 with 6,10,11 ($60)

Moira – Against

• $1 trifecta 6,10 with 6,8,10,11 with all ($54)