The Maple Leaf Stakes, a prestigious Grade 3 race at Woodbine Racetrack, is set to captivate racing enthusiasts this Saturday. The field of 13 fillies and mares, aged 3 and up, will compete over the 1 1/4 mile distance on the main track, with the 2024 King's Plate winner, Caitlinhergrtness, leading the charge.

A Promising Filly Seeks to Conquer the Maple Leaf

Caitlinhergrtness: The Daughter of Omaha Beach Aims for Glory

Caitlinhergrtness, the daughter of the renowned sire Omaha Beach, has already made a name for herself in the Canadian racing scene. After winning the prestigious King's Plate earlier this year, the chestnut filly now sets her sights on the Maple Leaf Stakes, determined to add another prestigious title to her growing resume. Trained by the experienced Kevin Attard for Siena Farm and WinStar Farm, Caitlinhergrtness has shown her versatility, with a record of 8 starts, 3 wins, 1 second, and 2 thirds, amassing an impressive $688,077 in career earnings.Caitlinhergrtness' journey to the Maple Leaf Stakes has been a testament to her resilience and talent. After making her debut in the United States, where she finished third at Saratoga and broke her maiden at Belmont, the filly closed out her 2-year-old campaign with a fourth-place finish in the Tempted Stakes at Aqueduct. She then opened her 3-year-old season with a fourth-place finish at Gulfstream before bringing her talents north to Woodbine, where she has continued to impress.Trainer Kevin Attard has been effusive in his praise of Caitlinhergrtness, describing her as a "willing student who passes every test with flying colours." The filly's recent third-place finish in the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) at Keeneland has only added to the anticipation surrounding her performance in the Maple Leaf Stakes.

Blueberry Fields: The Freight Train Seeking to Derail the Competition

Another contender in the Maple Leaf Stakes is the 6-year-old mare Blueberry Fields, who has been steadily making a name for herself on the Woodbine circuit. With a record of 13 starts, 5 wins, 2 seconds, and 3 thirds, and $232,564 in career earnings, Blueberry Fields has proven to be a formidable opponent.Trained and co-bred by Brandon Greer, Blueberry Fields has been on a remarkable run, finishing in the top four in 10 consecutive races. Her most recent outing, a hard-charging third-place finish in the Grade 3 Matron Stakes, has only added to the excitement surrounding her performance in the Maple Leaf Stakes.Greer has been effusive in his praise of Blueberry Fields, describing her as a "freight train" with a "wonderful flowing stride" that captivates onlookers. The trainer believes that the 1 1/4 mile distance of the Maple Leaf Stakes will suit the mare's strengths, and he is eager to see how she will perform on the bigger stage.Blueberry Fields' journey to the Maple Leaf Stakes has been a testament to her resilience and determination. After a slow start to her career, with three consecutive off-the-board finishes, the mare broke her maiden in a 1 1/16 mile main track race at Woodbine in July 2023. Since then, she has been on a tear, winning 3 of her last 5 starts and finishing in the top two in all of them.As the Maple Leaf Stakes approaches, all eyes will be on Blueberry Fields as she seeks to continue her impressive run and potentially upset the favored Caitlinhergrtness.

A Storied Race with a Prestigious Legacy

The Maple Leaf Stakes holds a special place in the annals of Canadian racing history. Named after the iconic Conn Smythe, the principal owner of the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs from 1927 to 1961 and the builder of Maple Leaf Gardens, the race has been a fixture on the Woodbine calendar since its inception in 1892.Over the years, the Maple Leaf Stakes has been dominated by some of the most legendary owners in the sport, with Conn Smythe leading the pack with an impressive seven crowns. The race's rich history and the prestige associated with it have made it a highly sought-after prize for the top trainers, jockeys, and owners in the industry.As the 2023 edition of the Maple Leaf Stakes approaches, the anticipation is palpable. The field of 13 fillies and mares, each with their own unique stories and aspirations, will converge on the Woodbine track, ready to etch their names in the annals of Canadian racing history.Whether it's the talented and determined Caitlinhergrtness, the resilient and impressive Blueberry Fields, or any of the other contenders, the Maple Leaf Stakes promises to be a thrilling showcase of equine talent and a testament to the enduring legacy of this prestigious race.