Through the lens: Breakfast with a Queen's Plate champion

Good morning from Woodbine the morning after the 160th running of the Queen’s Plate, North America’s oldest annually run race. I had a chance to check in with Saturday's winner, One Bad Boy, as he relished in winning the 1 1/4-mile first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown Series.

Trained by Rich Baltas and based at Santa Anita Park, One Bad Boy took an early lead and fended off a challenge by the favorite Avie’s Flatter to win by 3 1/2 lengths under jockey Flavien Prat.

After receiving the Queen’s Plate garlands, One Bad Boy and Prat were led to the winner’s circle by an excited Brooke Hubbard, racing manager for Sajay Racing. 

Sunday morning, I got a glimpse of One Bad Boy, who stabled at trainer Mike Doyle’s barn in a stall on the north side. That location allows the flat sunrise light to bath the champion in the golden morning light as he squints, surveys the new day, and takes some first nibbles 

One Bad Boy's groom, Felipe Rivera, tended to the horse and took some congratulatory calls while walking the shed row. 

During a morning bath, One Bad Boy showed off his best calm and, sometimes playful behavior, shaking off the fresh water and making his groom laugh heartily...

Felipe then led One Bad Boy out into the meadow, where he could enjoy some fresh grass for the deserved breakfast of a champion... 

Trainer Richard Baltas said the connections are now game to give the rest of the Canadian Triple Crown series a try. So we are all looking forward next to the Prince of Wales, run at 1 3/16 miles on the dirt track at Fort Erie on July 23.