Queen's Plate Update

Harlem Rocker beat the highly regarded J Be K in the Withers Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct on Saturday to remain undefeated in 3 starts. Harlem Rocker was settling in the 3rd place in the early going while J Be K set the pace. J Be K had a 2 length advantage while turning for home and Harlem Rocker was closing 4-wide under Eibar Coa. Harlem Rocker zoom pass the leader at the mid-stretch and easily won by 2 1/2 length. Harlem Rocker will probably have one more prep before Queen's Plate and could be the favorite at race time.

There are other Queen's plate contenders raced over the weekend.

Giquere and Deputiformer completed in the Wando Stakes at Woodbine on Friday. Both Michael Depaulo trains colts were no matched to the Kentucky bred Bonanze and finished 2nd and 5th respectively. Deputiformer performance was rather disappointing consider he finished 3rd to Big Brown in his last race. Their next race are likely the Marine Stakes on May 17 or the Plate Trail on June 1st.

Shilla and Gloriosuly both top Woodbine Oaks contenders face off against each on Sunday in the Fury Stakes at Woodbine. Shilla caught Gloriosuly at the wire to win by a nose, both fillies remain on target for the Oaks. There is always a chance one of them to show up in the Queen's Plate but I don't think either one of them can get the 1 1/4 miles.