2009 Queen's Plate Fantasy Challenge Update

My selections for this year's races had been terrible, it is so bad that I am afraid to make my selections for this Saturday's Preakness Stakes. When Mine that Bird won the Derby last week, I am not sure if I had lost my touch or the world has just went upside down.

On a positive note, I am doing very well in the 2009 Queen's Plate Fantasy Challenge. Currently I am ranked 281 Out Of 4692 but I feel good about my selections. Here's a quick summary of each my pick.

El Brujo

1. El Brujo - My top point getter with 110 points. One of the top contender for the Queen's Plate.
I probably should have pick his trainer Malcolm Pierce in my pool, but you can't go want with Roger Attfield. Plate Trail on May 31st most likely is his next race.

2. Active Duty - Got 30 point for finishing 3rd in the Queenston on May 2nd. He was beaten by El Brujo for less than 3 length. I think the long distance will help him and the Plate Trail is probably next for this 3 year old.

3. Square Eddie - Finish 3rd in the Lexington last out. The connection was pointing to the Derby but common sense kicked it. The horse is being turn out not sure will make the Plate.

4. Don Valentino - Is training regularly at Woodbine but hasn't make his debug. Time is running out.

5. Eye of the Leopard - Won last week MSW with a 74 Beyers at 1 1/6 mile distance. The winning wasn't very fast but this son of A P Indy will love the 1 1/4 mile. Plate Trail or Victoria Park Stakes on June 7 is next.

6. Thor''s Piper - I think this guy finished 4 in Keeneland back in early April. It is back at woodbine but need to break it maiden fast.

7. Southdale - My Stable star that won a 7f MSW a couple of weeks ago by 5 1/2 length and earned a 88 Beyers. One of the top contenders for The Plate and major reason of me feeling good about my picks. The only negative is the horse was transferred back to Ian Black from Attfield. I am losing all my trainer's point. The Trail is next for him.

8. No More Tears - Ran 3rd recently in a MSW, will need to find a spot to break his maiden.

9. Whispered Hope - Owned my Sam Son farm but has yet to make it's Woodbine debut. Ran once at Keeneland in spring by need to break its maiden.

10. Rapid Release - ran twice at Woodbine within a week. It finished 3rd on April 26 in at 1 1/16Mile allowance race. Returned in a week later to finish 5th at the same distance. The Trail is next.

All 10 horses remain eligible after the second payment nomination on May 1st. There is a chance all 10 could start in the Queen's Plate.