The Maple Leaf Stakes at Woodbine Racetrack is shaping up to be an exciting event, with a few unexpected contenders challenging the favorites. While the 5-1 morning line on Caitlinhergrtness may seem like a fair price, the race features two horses with lower odds, including the uncoupled stablemate and 3-1 morning line favorite Fashionably Fab, as well as trainer Brendan Walsh's Kentucky shipper Queen Regent.

The Attard Duo: Fashionably Fab and Caitlinhergrtness

Trainer Kevin Attard, fresh off a Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf victory with 2022 Queen's Plate winner Moira, has two of the most likely winners in the Maple Leaf Stakes. Fashionably Fab, the 3-1 morning line favorite, is a seasoned performer at Woodbine, boasting an impressive 7-for-12 record on the Tapeta surface. However, the distance of the Maple Leaf Stakes, a mile and a quarter, is uncharted territory for the mare.Caitlinhergrtness, on the other hand, has already proven her mettle at this distance, having won the prestigious King's Plate at Woodbine earlier this year. The 5-1 morning line price on the classic winner could be a tempting option for bettors, as she has demonstrated her ability to handle the track and distance. With Attard's expertise and the horses' proven track records, the Attard duo presents a formidable challenge to the rest of the field.

The Kentucky Shipper: Queen Regent

Trainer Brendan Walsh's Kentucky shipper, Queen Regent, is another contender in the Maple Leaf Stakes. The mare's connections and her return to a synthetic surface may attract significant attention from bettors, but her recent performances in the United States have been less than impressive. Her two tries in America "started bad and got worse," making it difficult to envision a rebound that would make her competitive at the morning-line price.While the allure of a Kentucky shipper with strong connections may be tempting, the evidence suggests that Queen Regent may not be the best value play in this race. Bettors would be wise to approach her with caution and consider the more proven contenders in the field.

The Maple Leaf Stakes: A Graded Stakes Trio

The Maple Leaf Stakes is part of a trio of graded events on the 10-race card at Woodbine, which includes an all-graded stakes Pick 3 with races 7-9. For bettors looking to capitalize on the high-stakes action, the Attard pair of Fashionably Fab and Caitlinhergrtness appear to be the most reliable options. With their strong track records and the trainer's recent success, these two horses could be the key to unlocking the lucrative Pick 3 wager.As the Maple Leaf Stakes approaches, the race promises to be an exciting and unpredictable affair, with a few surprise contenders challenging the favorites. Bettors will need to carefully analyze the field and weigh the pros and cons of each horse to make informed decisions. With the Attard duo and the potential for an upset, the Maple Leaf Stakes is shaping up to be a must-watch event for racing enthusiasts.