The 3-year-old Artie Schiller colt Bear’s Chill continued his roll at Woodbine with another commanding performance on May 7, winning the $150,000 Queenston S. by a facile 2 1/2-lengths (VIDEO).
Artie Schiller finished in the top 20 of first-crop sires of 2010, and is currently the 11th ranked second-crop sire. His leading earner this year is Mr. Commons, who was third in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), followed closely by Bear’s Chill.
The Queenston serves as a traditional prep for the Queen’s Plate (G1-C), the first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown which runs June 26 at Woodbine. The Queenston win stamps Bear’s Chill as the early favorite for the big race.
Bear’s Chill went right to the front in the seven furlong Queenston and was up two lengths after a quarter mile in :45.67 seconds. The bay colt kept going from there, winning with something in reserve in a quick time of 1:21.91, giving him a career best 97 Beyer Speed Figure.
Trainer Reade Baker was asked about the Queen’s Plate and whether that was the target for Bear’s Chill.
“That’s there we want to be,” said Baker. “I’ve always been impressed with him. He’s a big, strong, tough horse.”
Baker indicated the route to the Plate would likely go through the Plate Trial, at 1 1/8 miles, on June 5 at Woodbine.
Bear’s Chill is owned by his namesake Bear Stables Ltd. He was bred in Canada by Glenview Stables Ltd. The owners bought Bear’s Chill for $78,914 out of the 2009 Canadian September yearling sale. With the Queenston win, he is now 3-1-0 in five starts, with earnings of $193,355.
Bear’s Chill is out of the stakes winner Silver Nithi, who earned nearly $500,000 in her career. All three of her foals are multiple winners.
