The four eligible Canadian-bred

The Grade 3 Marine Stakes, presented by HPIBet, will be held on Saturday, June 29 at Woodbine. This race serves as a significant stepping stone towards the prestigious King's Plate, especially for the four eligible Canadian-bred three-year-olds competing against three American-breds in this edition.

Historically, three Canadian-breds have achieved the Marine Stakes-King’s Plate double in the 21st century: Wando (2003), Strait of Dover (2012), and Shaman Ghost (2015). The Marine Stakes, an open event since its inception in 1956, has seen its winners proceed to Plate glory six times.

PIPER'S FACTOR

This colt, bred and owned by Chiefswood Stable, is a leading Plate hopeful. Trained by Katerina Vassilieva, who won the 2022 Marine with Rondure, Piper’s Factor enters the race off a strong win in an allowance/optional claiming race at 1 1/16 miles, earning an 85 Beyer Speed Figure. After a less impressive Florida stint, Piper’s Factor's recent Woodbine victory shows promise. Kazushi Kimura will be the jockey.

BABBO

After fading in his season debut in the Queenston Stakes, Babbo, a colt by Kantharos, aims to regain form. He previously won the 1 1/8 mile Coronation Futurity by leading from the front, defeating Piper’s Factor. Babbo is expected to attempt a similar front-running strategy unless Maximus Magic challenges for the lead.

ESSEX SERPENT

Owned by Manfred and Penny Conrad, this colt by Honor Code won his debut at 5 1/2 furlongs and finished second in the Queenston to Plate favourite My Boy Prince. He is well-bred for the 1 1/16-mile distance and is a serious contender.

MIDNIGHT MASCOT

Also owned by the Conrads, this Army Mule colt finished third in the King Corrie Stakes and fifth in last year’s Grade 3 Grey. He is another strong entry in this competitive field.

American Breds:

MAXIMUS MAGIC

An American-bred contender who might challenge Babbo for the lead.

CAMEO PERFORMANCE

Trained by Brendan Walsh, this Oscar Performance colt has a turf win to his name.

NATIVE LAND

A Mastery colt trained by Riley Mott, Native Land is a two-time winner on dirt.

Selene Stakes. In the filly counterpart race, the Grade 3 Selene Stakes, only two Woodbine Oaks eligibles are in the field against tough American competition. The race is highlighted by 2023 Champion 2-year-old filly Witwatersrand. Red Samurai, a First Samurai filly, was second in the Fury Stakes and is one of the Oaks hopefuls, along with Shamans Girl, who finished fifth in the Fury.

The Marine Stakes and Selene Stakes promise thrilling competition and are pivotal events for horses aiming for future stakes success, especially the King's Plate and Woodbine Oaks.