Filly Holy Helena tabbed as early favourite for $1-million Queen’s Plate
TORONTO — Luis Contreras has been here before.
The Mexican-born jockey will lead early 3-1 favourite Holy Helena into the $1-million Queen’s Plate on Sunday at Woodbine Racetrack. The dark bay is not only trying to become the first filly since Lexie Lou in 2014 to capture the Plate after winning the $500,000 Woodbine Oaks, but also be the first filly to earn the first jewel of Canada’s Triple Crown for Stronach Stables.
“It (being favourite) is good for me, I prefer to be one of the favourites,” Contreras said Wednesday following the race draw at Woodbine. “I’ve won it with a filly (2011 aboard Inglorious) and it’s happened before so why not again?”
Inglorious was Contreras’ first Plate mount. He rallied the filly from 10th position through three-quarters of a mile to a remarkable 2 1/2-length win over 60-1 longshot Hippolytus.