The 165th King’s Plate is set to feature a competitive field of 13 horses, all vying for the prestigious title in Canada’s most famous horse race. The event will take place this Saturday, covering a distance of 1 1/4 miles at Woodbine. The excitement is palpable among trainers, owners, and jockeys as they prepare for the big race.
Key Contenders:
1. My Boy Prince (Post 7)
- Trainer: Mark Casse
- Owner: Gary Barber
- Odds: 7-to-5
- Noteworthy as the favourite, My Boy Prince is coming off a win in the Plate Trial and is poised to secure a victory for Barber, who has a history of success in this race.
2. Essex Serpent (Post 3)
- Trainer: Mark Casse
- Owner: Manfred and Penny Conrad
- Odds: 2-to-1
- A strong contender after winning the Grade 3 Marine Stakes, Essex Serpent is looking to make a mark in the Plate.
3. Rafaroo (Post 2)
- Trainer: Harold Ladouceur
- Owner: Stronach Stables, Frank Stronach
- Odds: 8-to-1
- This horse showed strong potential with a second-place finish in the Plate Trial.
4. Caitlinhergrtness (Post 4)
- Trainer: Kevin Attard
- Owner: Siena Farm and WinStar Farm, LLC
- Odds: 12-to-1
- The only filly in the field, Caitlinhergrtness is looking to make history and is coming off a solid finish in the Woodbine Oaks.
5. Friendly Ghost (Post 6)
- Trainer: Evette Chartrand-Hoek
- Owner: Sue Leslie
- Odds: 30-to-1
- This horse is an exciting prospect, having finished third in the Plate Trial.
Additional Contenders:
- Midnight Mascot (Post 5) - 10-to-1, another entrant from the Conrad stable.
- Thor’s Cause (Post 9) - 50-to-1, facing tough competition as a maiden.
- Roar of the Crowd (Post 11) - 50-to-1, a recent maiden winner.
Post Positions and Odds Overview:
- 1. Jokestar - 20-1
- 2. Rafaroo - 8-1
- 3. Essex Serpent - 2-1
- 4. Caitlinhergrtness (f) - 12-1
- 5. Midnight Mascot - 10-1
- 6. Friendly Ghost - 30-1
- 7. My Boy Prince - 7-5
- 8. Pierre - 20-1
- 9. Thor’s Cause - 50-1
- 10. Bedard - 30-1
- 11. Roar of the Crowd - 50-1
- 12. No More Options - 30-1
- 13. Vitality - 20-1
The King’s Plate promises to be an electrifying event with strong favourites and interesting underdogs, all with unique stories and aspirations. The race will culminate in a thrilling showdown, with fans and connections eagerly awaiting the results. Will My Boy Prince continue his reign, or will a new star emerge in this storied race? Only time will tell.