Canadian Racing Archives

A Bit O'Gold Takes Second Leg
by Emily Hufford

A Bit O'Gold won the second leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, the Prince of Wales Stakes, on Sunday, while Queen's Plate winner Niigon was second. His Smoothness finished third.

The favorite for the Queen's Plate, A Bit O'Gold came into that race off a win in the Plate Trial, defeating Niigon. The tables were turned in the Queen's Plate; A Bit O'Gold finished second. On Sunday he won by just a head. The top two finished over 15 lengths in front of His Smoothness. Just In Case Jimmy ran fourth.

A Bit O'Gold and Niigon are expected to face each other for the fourth time in the final leg of the Triple Crown, the Breeders' Stakes, at Woodbine on August 8th.

Catherine Phillips trains the three-year-old gelded son of Gold Fever.

 


A Bit O'Gold © Melissa Harnden 2004

 

Niigon Wins the Queen's Plate
by Emily Hufford

Niigon Before the Queen's Plate © Melissa Harnden 2004


Niigon, a three-year-old son of Unbridled, won the Queen's Plate at Woodbine in Canada. The race is the top goal for three-year-old Canadian-breds, much as the Kentucky Derby is in America.

Favored A Bit o'Gold, who won the Plate Trial and defeated Niigon in the process, could not get by that one this time and finished second. Longshot Will He Crow was third with Silver Ticket fourth. Niigon was the third choice in the wagering and paid $13.80 to win.

Eric Coatrieux trains the colt, who is out of the Nureyev mare Savethelastdance. Robert Landry was aboard for the victory. The Chiefswood Stables colt now has a record of 9: 2 - 2 - 2. The final time for the race was 2:04.3.