ETOBICOKE, Ontario – The 162nd running of the $1 million Queen’s Plate is just one week away on Aug. 22, and a large field is expected for the first jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown, even with Weyburn skipping the race for other opportunities in the United States. Heading into the final weekend of works for the contenders, a full gate of 17 horses is possible for the Queen’s Plate. If more than 17 horses enter the Queen’s Plate, horses with the highest career earnings will be given preference. One notable horse who will not be running in the Queen’s Plate is the winter-book favorite Weyburn, who most recently finished fourth in the Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga on July 31. Chiefswood Stables general manager Robert Landry said he would be exploring other races for the son of Pioneerof the Nile, with one possible landing spot being the Grade 1, $1 million Pennsylvania Derby at Parx on Sept. 25. “He’s trained back good and everything,” he said. “The biggest hiccup for me is the timing. I’m really concerned about the three weeks. I want to do what’s right by the horse. I want to look at all other options for him.” :: Bet the races with confidence on DRF Bets. You're one click away from the only top-rated betting platform fully integrated with exclusive data, analysis, and expert picks. As a result of Weyburn’s withdrawal from consideration, a number of horses could be considered for morning line favoritism after Wednesday’s post-position draw, including Grade 3 Marine Stakes runner-up Keep Grinding, who is owned by 17-year-old Joshua Attard. Keep Grinding is trained by Joshua’s grandfather Tino Attard. :: 2021 Queen's Plate: Get odds, comments, analysis, and news for the 162st running of the Queen's Plate at Woodbine Joshua’s father, trainer Kevin Attard, could send as many as five horses to the Queen’s Plate, including Woodbine Oaks winner Munnyfor Ro. Munnyfor Ro would need to be supplemented to the Plate, but she could join Marine Stakes third-place finisher Haddassah; recent allowance winner Harlan Estate; and the pair of H C Holiday and Truffle King, who both ran in the Plate Trial Stakes on Aug. 1, from the Attard barn. Truffle King crossed the line second in the Plate Trial, but was disqualified for interference in the stretch and placed fourth, while H C Holiday was elevated to second from third. All four runners from the Plate Trial are expected run in the Queen’s Plate, including the Plate Trial winner Avoman for trainer Donald MacRae, and Derzkii for trainer Carlos Grant. Derzkii crossed the line fourth, but was placed third as a result of Truffle King’s disqualification. Sam-Son Farm will be sending three runners to the Queen’s Plate, highlighted by Queenston Stakes winner Tio Magico for trainer Gail Cox. Cox will also send out Tidal Forces, who finished fifth in the Marine Stakes on July 11. Trainer Graham Motion will saddle Sam-Son Farm’s third Queen’s Plate starter Dance Some Mo, who finished second behind Harlan Estate in an allowance race over 1 1/8 miles on Tapeta on July 16 and has been training for the Queen’s Plate at Fair Hill Training Center in Maryland. Three other horses are expected to ship in from the United States for the Queen’s Plate. Among those is Palio, who captured an allowance race on turf at Colonial Downs on July 20 in his most recent start. He is trained by Mike Stidham, who has won two of his three starts at Woodbine this season. Two New York-based turf runners are also expected: Safe Conduct, a Phil Serpe trainee who ran in the Grade 1 Belmont Derby Invitational at Belmont Park in his most recent start on July 10, and Hombre, who was fifth in an allowance race on turf at Saratoga on July 24 for trainer Barclay Tagg. Three other Woodbine-based runners could be entered as well. Riptide Rock could represent the colors of Stronach Stables in the Queen’s Plate following his allowance win over six furlongs on July 16. He had been racing around two turns for most of the winter under the care of trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, before being transferred back to Sid Attard once the Woodbine meet began in June. Take a Chance would need to be supplemented to the Queen’s Plate following his maiden win over 1 1/16 miles on July 11 for trainer Catherine Day Phillips. Rounding out the list of potential Queen’s Plate starters is the maiden Go Take Charge, who most recently finished second in an off-the-turf maiden special weight over 1 1/16 miles on Tapeta on July 24 for trainer Breeda Hayes. While several of these names could change between now and Wednesday, when Queen’s Plate entries are due, a large field does look likely for next Sunday. First race post time for the Queen’s Plate card is set for 12:25 p.m., while the Queen’s Plate itself will be run at approximately 5:40 p.m.