Trainer Jamie Begg bent over Sipping History’s chestnut coat, planting a quick kiss before letting jockey Sahin Civaci lead her to the paddock. Nearby, Pageant Queen’s Rafael Hernandez shared a quiet nod with Begg, both aware that Sunday’s Victorian Queen Stakes could define their young careers. The crowd murmured in anticipation, knowing two talented 2-year-old Ontario-sired fillies were about to face off in a $100,000 showdown on Woodbine’s inner turf.
Sipping History, a daughter of Old Forester out of Lovely Cersei, has been steadily rising through the ranks. Her last outing on August 2 saw her sprinting to a decisive maiden-breaking victory in :58.49 over five furlongs, demonstrating both speed and a newfound maturity under the guidance of a drop noseband. Begg noted, “We figured out something ahead of her last start. Harnessing her speed allowed her to rate properly — she’s fast, but patience is key.”
Pageant Queen, by contrast, embodies calm determination. A daughter of Point of Entry out of Queen Ofthe Dawn, she finished a neck behind the winner in her Muskoka Stakes attempt on August 24 and has been showing steady improvement since her career debut on June 21. Begg praised her measured style: “Pageant Queen is a come-from-off-the-pace filly. It’s about unlocking her potential gradually.”
Victorian Queen Stakes Preview
The Victorian Queen, contested over six furlongs on the inner turf, features a compact but competitive field:
| Post | Horse | Jockey | Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Perfect Sparkle | Keveh Nicholls | Keith Edwards |
| 2 | Cayenne Kiss | Pietro Moran | Bill Tharrenos |
| 3 | Souper Diva | Jose Campos | Steven Chircop |
| 4 | Deanna | Fraser Aebly | Peter Berringer |
| 5 | Sipping History | Sahin Civaci | Jamie Begg |
| 6 | Arianna’s Tour | Ryan Munger | Krista Cole |
| 7 | Pageant Queen | Rafael Hernandez | Jamie Begg |
Both fillies will be tested not only by each other but by the unique inner turf layout, which often separates precocious speed from patient closers. Sipping History’s aggressive early tactics contrast sharply with Pageant Queen’s stalking style, promising a thrilling tactical battle.
Bull Page Stakes Overview
Sunday’s card also highlights the $100,000 Bull Page Stakes for colts and geldings over six furlongs on the Woodbine main track. Trainer Bill Tharrenos sends out three strong contenders: Bank On Big Winner, Silver Is Best, and Simcoe Stakes winner Big Bold and First. King Ronin, B the King, and firstgeneral Nikao complete the six-horse field. Post time for the first race is 1:05 p.m.
Victorian Queen Stakes Preview: Sipping History and Pageant Queen headline an exciting Ontario-sired fillies clash, promising speed, strategy, and a memorable Woodbine showdown.
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