Military Time looks to set the standard in Queenston Stakes

The $125,000 Queenston Stakes, a key prep on the road to this year’s King’s Plate (Aug. 15), is Sunday’s featured race at Woodbine.

The 7-furlong Queenston, for 3-year-olds foaled in Canada, has attracted six hopefuls, including Military Time, trained by Mark Casse.

A son of Gun Runner out of the Signature Red stakes-winning router over the Woodbine grass and main track, Red Cabernet, Military Time heads into the Queenston off a sharp score at 7 panels on the Toronto oval main track.

Under Fraser Aebly, who will be in the irons again on Sunday, Military Time, the 4-5 choice in the field of eight, stalked from the outside before seizing control on the way to a 4 ½-length win in 1:24.21.

“I think what stood out the most was how he persevered, to get past the other horse, open up and then continue on to the end,” said assistant trainer Kathryn Sullivan of the Ontario-bred, who is co-owned by Gary Barber and Vinnie Viola’s St Elias Stable. “It was just an overall very strong effort from start to finish.”

The chestnut colt debuted at the end of last August in a 6 ½-furlong maiden special weight race that was moved from turf to the main track. After getting away slowly, he settled into stride and went on to post a four-length win.

“It was a great way for him to kick things off,” said Sullivan. “Once he got into a rhythm, he rated nicely and then came with a nice move straightening for home. He really moved well down the lane and drew away late. It was a very nice effort.”

A late scratch from the Grade 1 Summer on Sept. 13 due to a shoe issue, he was fifth in the Cup & Saucer Stakes on Oct. 5, and second in the Coronation Futurity on Nov. 29 to close out his 2-year-old campaign.

Bred by Adena Springs, Military Time was a $350,000 Keeneland yearling purchase.

“He’s the full package,” said Sullivan. “He definitely looks the part. He’s growing into himself, physically. He’s just a very steady guy in everything he does.”