Not Bourbon, in his second start of 2008, solidified himself as a legitimate Queen’s Plate contender, courtesy of an authoritative score in Saturday’s $150,000 Queenston Stakes at Woodbine.

Not Bourbon, who launched his three-year-old campaign with a second-place finish to rival Stuck in Traffic in the Achievement Stakes on April 12, closed stoutly on the turn and drove clear from his rivals in the seven-furlong Queenston.

Patiently handled by Jono Jones, the son of Not Impossible watched from second in the five-horse field (Battle Zone was scratched) as mutuel favourite Stuck in Traffic set uncontested early fractions of :22.35 and :44.49.

Trained by Hall of Famer Roger Attfield, Not Bourbon stormed to the front in upper stretch and crossed the wire a five-length winner. Stuck in Traffic, who came into the race off victories in the Frost King and Achievement, was second, while David Bell trainee Shadowless finished third.

The final time was a quick 1:21.86 over the Polytrack.

“First, I thought he (Stuck in Traffic) was a little far ahead,” said Jones, who notched his first Queenston win. “When I made my move, I got to him pretty quick and that was that.”

A maiden-breaker in his third career start, a one-length triumph at 5 ½ furlongs over the Toronto oval on August 26, Not Bourbon could give Attfield a record-tying eighth Plate triumph.

“He would have loved to have been here,” said assistant trainer Nancy Sullivan, of Attfield, who is nursing a foot injury. “He’s here in the morning for three or four hours, training the horses. He was watching closely and was thrilled with the way the horse ran.”

The Queenston is one of several Queen’s Plate preps at Woodbine. The Marine (May 17), the Plate Trial (June 1) and Victoria Park Stakes (June are still left on the schedule. The Plate itself is slated for June 22.

Not Bourbon now has three wins from eight starts, along with two seconds and a third.

Not Bourbon returned $5.70, $2.80 and $2.40, combining with Stuck in Traffic ($2.70, $2.10) for a $10.80 exactor. Shadowless returned $2.90. There was no triactor wagering.

Sun Hawk and Kesagami rounded out the field.
(Source: Woodbine Entertainment)