Military Time looks to set the standard in Queenston Stakes
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TORONTO, June 4, 2026 – 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.”
Ivan 'Billy' Forde is the groom.
The Casse barn will also be represented by Believein, a son of Blame out of the Tiz Wonderful mare Tiptoe.
Unraced at 2, the bay gelding, owned by Gary Barber and Baccari Racing Stable LLC, broke his maiden last time out in a 7-furlong maiden special weight race on May 3.
“We were extremely happy with his last outing,” said Sullivan. “He ran a good race and showed that he’s continuing to progress. He came out of it in great shape and he’s worked very well in the lead-up to this race.”
Believein launched his career with a pair of starts at Gulfstream, finishing fifth in his debut on Jan. 3 and following it up with a third at the Hallandale oval on Feb. 5.
Bred in Ontario by Apricot Valley Thoroughbreds, Believein was a $45,000 Keeneland yearling purchase.
“He’s just a nice horse, all around, one that really likes to compete,” said Sullivan.
Ivan ‘Billy’ Forde is the groom.
Recent works: Military Time recorded a pair of 4-furlong works ahead of the Queenston, a bullet :47.00 move on May 17 and a :48.40 move on May 27.
“We were very happy with the works,” said Sullivan. “He’s been working very well ahead of this race. The thing with him is that he is very consistent when he works and in everything he does. He always goes out there focused and ready, and that was the case in those last two works.”
Fast Facts: Dining Alone won the inaugural running in 1956. Notorious Gangster, trained by Josie Carroll, won last year’s edition.
Mark Casse has won three editions of the Queenston, including in 2024 with the Gary Barber-owned My Boy Prince.
Wagering menu for the Queenston: Includes Rolling Double / Exacta / 0.20 Trifecta / 0.20 Superfecta / 0.20 Pick 3 (Races 8-9-10) / $1 Swinger.
Need to know: First race post time on Sunday is 1:00 p.m. Fans can wager on all the action through HPIbet.com.
Field for the $125,000 Queenston Stakes
Post – Horse – Jockey – Trainer
1 – Brachetto – Ryan Munger – Julia Carey
2 – Believein – Romero Ramsay Maragh – Mark Casse
3 – Highwaytothemoon – Rafael Hernandez – Dale Desruisseaux
4 – Amore Mio – Luis Reyes – Pat Parente
5 – Military Time – Fraser Aebly – Mark Casse
6 – Thundermaker – Pietro Moran – Kevin Attard
Chris Lomon, Woodbine
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