The morning after one of the worst rainstorms to hit Woodbine racetrack in recent memory, several King’s Plate entrants who did not get a chance to race on Saturday went out for some short breezes.
The Mark Casse-trained trio of MY BOY PRINCE, ESSEX SERPENT and MIDNIGHT MASCOT had three-furlong spins over the Tapeta track that was much drier than the day before when torrential downpours put an end to Woodbine’s card after the fifth race. The Plate and the supporting stakes races are scheduled to be held Friday*.
My Boy Prince, the Plate favourite, went in 37 flat, Essex Serpent, the second favourite went in 37.40 and Midnight Mascot, the third favourite, went in 39.20. The latter two horses are owned by Manfred and Penny Conrad who had some 30 guests in attendance on Plate day.
“When you train racehorses you have to be ready to adapt,” said Casse. “Essex Serpent and Midnight Mascot were coming in off 11-12 days since their last workout, so I breezed all three of them. I was able to watch them work on Sunday morning.”
Gary Barber, who was also in attendance on Plate day, owns My Boy Prince.
On Monday morning, the Stronach Stables pair of Rafaroo and Vitality had workouts. The former went in 39.00 and the latter in 38.20. Rafaroo, a maiden who will be making his third start, was the Plate day selection of track announced Robert Geller while most other handicappers selected Essex Serpent.
Meanwhile, Plate starter BEDARD, owned X-MenRacing, Madaket Stable and SF Bloodstock, was scratched the morning of the Plate due to a medication issue. The stewards report:
To ensure the integrity of the 165th King’s Plate, the AGCO and WEG collaborated to implement a 48-hour surveillance/retention period on all horses entered into the race. Late Friday afternoon the AGCO became aware that the horse “Bedard” was administered a quantity of the prescription therapeutic medication methocarbamol (Robaxin) at 12:50PM. The race day medication ban (rule TB 15.38) prevents horses from being administered substances within 24 hours of the post time of the first race of the racing card; the post time for the first race today is 12:25 PM.
Following an investigation, the AGCO Stewards have scratched the horse, “Bedard.” Bets placed on this horse will be refunded in accordance with CPMA regulations.
With the Plate now scheduled for Friday, Bedard is back in the field.
(* There has been talk that the horsepeople at Woodbine are requesting that the Plate be held on Saturday when more fans will be able to attend and wager. Stay tuned.)
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