Harlem Rocker Skipping Queen's Plate

(from Woodbine)
Harlem Rocker, decisive winner of the Withers Stakes (gr. III) but fourth in the Plate Trial in his first Polytrack start, will not contest the June 22 Queen's Plate (Can-IR) at Woodbine.

The roan/gray colt, a lifetime winner of three of four starts, will return to New York at the behest of owner Frank Stronach.

"That is the plan," said Mike Rogers, racing manager for Stronach Stables. "Frank thinks Harlem Rocker is better on the dirt, so that's why the decision was made."

Stronach, who won the Plate in 1994 with Basqueian and in 1997 with Awesome Again  , will have two starters in this year's Queen's Plate: Ginger Brew, recent six-length winner of the Woodbine Oaks, presented by Budweiser, and Jungle Brew, an improving son of Milwaukee Brew, who has two seconds from two lifetime starts.

Harlem Rocker, the beaten 1-5 favorite in the Plate Trial Stakes, breezed five furlongs in :58 1/5 on the morning of June 14.

The speedy move was the first workout over a synthetic surface for the Stronach Stable homebred, who is by Macho Uno  .

Harlem Rocker shipped to Woodbine a few days before the Plate Trial, raced wide on both turns and flattened out in the stretch, finishing fourth to Not Bourbon.