Queen's Plate 2017: All systems go for Holy Helena
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Photo:
WEG/Michael Burns
Holy Helena was mighty in the Woodbine Oaks and is all systems go heading into the 158th running of the Queens’ Plate.
Owned by Stronach Stables and trained by Jimmy Jerkens, the daughter of Ghostzapper out of the Holy Bull mare, Holy Grace, put in an impressive performance in taking the Oaks on June 11.
Now, Holy Helena will look to answer her connections’ prayers with a victory in Canada’s most famous horse race, set for July 2 at Woodbine. She’ll also seek to become the first filly since Lexie Lou to turn the Oaks-Plate double.
“Jimmy’s done a beautiful job with her,” said Mike Doyle, racing manager for Stronach Stables. “She’s had three strong races and she’s really got a great attitude about her.”
After a second-place debut at 6 ½ furlongs at Aqueduct on April 15, Holy Helena broke her maiden at Belmont, notching a three-quarter length triumph over 1 1/16-miles on May 12.
“She ran really well first time out,” started Doyle. “And to come back the second time and win with a really nice performance – Jimmy was very pleased. All of us were very happy with it.”
The filly was sent to Doyle’s Woodbine barn after the maiden-breaking score, in preparation for the Oaks.
After that triumph, there’s no denying Holy Helena is at the top of her game. Can she come up with her Sunday best in front of the Woodbine masses?
“I can’t see the (Plate) distance (1 ¼ miles) being a problem,” offered Doyle. “It’s right up her alley. She’s out of a really nice mare and she keeps improving every time out.”
The meaning of Helena is noted as, “bright, shining light.”
Doyle considers it a perfect fit for the filly.
“She’s just a really nice horse,” he praised. “She’s very easy to be around and easy to train.”
Luis Contreras, who rode the filly Inglorious to victory in the 2011 Plate, retains the amount and will be aboard Holy Helena for her final Plate prep which is slated for Monday morning on the Woodbine main.
Source: Woodbine Communications Office
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