August 16, 2024
TORONTO – By Matthew Lomon
Planning to wager on the 165th running of the King’s Plate, but still not sure which horse to go with? Don’t fret, your pals at MyRailbirds have you covered!
Ahead of Canadian Thoroughbred racing’s oldest and most prestigious race, we’ve assembled a tale of the tape for all 13 entries.
Here, you will find everything you need to know, including opening odds, recent performance trends, and in-depth insight to make an educated bet on Saturday afternoon.
Post #1 – Jokestar
Jockey: Emma-Jayne Wilson
Trainer: Kevin Attard
Owner: Al and Bill Ulwelling
Last 3 starts: 5th, Plate Trial Stakes (07/20/24, Woodbine); 3rd, AOC (06/23/24, Woodbine); 5th, AOC (06/02/24)
Odds: 20-1
Need to know: As high in character as they come, Jokestar grinded his way across a bumpy road to reach the King’s plate. The 3-year-old gelding has shown great resolve through eight starts and enters the 1 ¼-mile contest in good shape.
Post #2 – Rafaroo
Jockey: Ryan Munger
Trainer: Harold Ladouceur
Owner: Stronach Stables
Last 3 starts: 2nd, Plate Trial Stakes (07/20/24, Woodbine); 2nd, MSW (06/15/24, Woodbine)
Odds: 8-1
Need to know: Though lightly raced (two career starts), Rafaroo has both the pedigree and natural talent to push for the crown. The 3-year-old colt has made noticeable strides mentally and physically from age two to three, and has his sights set on breaking through on the big stage.
Post #3 – Essex Serpent
Jockey: Patrick Husbands
Trainer: Mark Casse
Owner: Manfred and Penny Conrad
Last 3 starts: 1st, Marine Stakes (06/29/24, Woodbine); 2nd, Queenston Stakes (06/09/24, Woodbine); 1st, MSW (04/27/24, Woodbine)
Odds: 2-1
Need to know: A relentless, physical force, Essex Serpent is built to travel a longer distance. After not racing as a 2-year-old, the 3-year-old gelding didn’t skip a beat in 2024, capturing the Marine (G3) in just his third career start (2-1-0). Teaming with three-time King’s Plate winner Patrick Husbands should only elevate his ceiling.
Post #4 – Caitlinhergrtness
Jockey: Rafael Hernandez
Trainer: Kevin Attard
Owner: Siena Farm LLC and WinStar Farm LLC
Last 3 starts: 2nd, Woodbine Oaks (07/20/24, Woodbine); 1st AOC (07/06/24, Woodbine); 4th, AOC (02/14/24, Gulfstream Park)
Odds: 12-1
Need to know: Saddled with high expectations being named after WNBA star Caitlin Clark, Caitlinhergrtness has certainly lived up to the billing so far (6: 2-1-1 record). Fresh off an impressive second in the Woodbine Oaks, the 3-year-old filly appears to be finding her rhythm at the right time.
Post #5 – Midnight Mascot
Jockey: Kazushi Kimura
Trainer: Mark Casse
Owner: Manfred and Penny Conrad
Last 3 starts: 3rd, Marine Stakes (06/29/24, Woodbine); 3rd, King Corrie Stakes (05/19/24, Woodbine); 1st, Woodstock Stakes (04/28/24, Woodbine)
Odds: 10-1
Need to know: Part of the job is just showing up, and few know that better than Midnight Mascot (8: 2-2-3 line). The sharp-witted, easy-going colt will benefit from the presence of three-time Sovereign Award winner for outstanding jockey Kazushi Kimura, who returns to Woodbine after a recent move to California.
Post #6 – Friendly Ghost
Jockey: Justin Stein
Trainer: Evette Chartrand-Hoek
Owner: Sue Leslie
Last 3 starts: 3rd, Plate Trial Stakes (07/20/24, Woodbine); 1st, MSW (06/09/24, Woodbine); 2nd, MSW (11/12/23, Woodbine)
Odds: 30-1
Need to know: After showing flashes as a 2-year-old, Friendly Ghost didn’t spook anyone when he found the winner’s circle in his sophomore debut. The even-keeled gelding kept the momentum going with a hard-fought third in the Plate Trial last time out.
Post #7 – My Boy Prince
Jockey: Sahin Civaci
Trainer: Mark Casse
Owner: Gary Barber
Last 3 starts: 1st, Plate Trial Stakes (07/20/24, Woodbine); 1st, Queenston Stakes (06/09/24); 1st, King Corrie Stakes (05/19/24)
Odds: 7-5
Need to know: It’s all systems go for the Plate favorite who rides into the $1 million contest amidst a three-race win streak. Don’t be fooled by his unassuming stature, My Boy Prince stands as one of the most imposing 3-year-olds to race at Woodbine this season.
Post #8 – Pierre
Jockey: David Cohen
Trainer: Kevin Attard
Owner: Al and Bill Ulwelling
Last 3 starts: 3rd, AOC(07/19/24, Woodbine); 2nd, AOC (06/23/24, Woodbine); 1st, MSW (05/04/24, Woodbine)
Odds: 20-1
Need to know: A gritty, versatile competitor, Pierre isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. The 3-year-old colt, who has hit the podium in all four lifetime starts, is ready to take things up a notch in what will be his stakes debut.
Post #9 – Thor’s Cause
Jockey: Jeffrey Alderson
Trainer: Krista Cole
Owner: Joe Pignatelli, Spirit’s Path Management, Inc. and Alan J. McMullen
Last 3 starts: 4th, MSW (07/19/24, Woodbine); 3rd, MSW (06/23/24, Woodbine); 3rd, MOC (06/02/24, Woodbine)
Odds: 50-1
Need to know: Embracing the underdog role, Thor’s Cause hopes to shock the field and join the ranks of previous longshot Plate winners in TJ’s Lucky Moon (paid $166 in 2002), Royal Chocolate (paid $48.10 in 1973), and Driving Home (paid $43.90 in 1980). Facing zero pressure, the 3-year-old colt can run without reserve on Saturday afternoon.
Post #10 – Bedard
Jockey: Pietro Moran
Trainer: Kevin Attard
Owner: X-Men Racing III LLC, Madaket Stables LLC, SF Racing LLC
Last 3 starts: 2nd, MSW (07/19/24, Woodbine); 2nd, MSW (06/23/24, Woodbine); 2nd, MSW (10/08/23, Woodbine)
Odds: 30-1
Need to know: Unlike his namesake, NHL superstar Connor Bedard, this 3-year-old gelding didn’t break out as a rookie. While he has yet to score, a recent hat-trick of encouraging seconds has Bedard trending in the right direction as the Plate approaches.
Post #11 – Roar of the Crowd
Jockey: Fraser Aebly
Trainer: Dominic Polsinelli
Owner: Dominic Polsinelli
Last 3 starts: 3rd, OC (08/01/24, Woodbine); 8th, OC (06/16/24, Woodbine); 1st, MOC (05/26/24, Woodbine)
Odds: 50-1
Need to know: A balanced build with a strong bloodline (three-quarter brother Pender Harbour finished third in the 2011 Plate), Roar of the Crowd comes equipped with the physical tools to sustain over a mile and a quarter.
Post #12 – No More Options
Jockey: Daisuke Fukumoto
Trainer: Zeljko Krcmar
Owner: Mary Self
Last 3 starts: 6th, Plate Trial Stakes (07/20/24, Woodbine); 3rd, Queenston Stakes (06/09/24, Woodbine); 1st, OC (05/19/24, Woodbine)
Odds: 30-1
Need to know: A trainer’s dream, No More Options (9: 3-0-4 lifetime) is the gift that keeps on giving for father-daughter trainer-owner duo Zeljko Krcmar and Mary Self. The 3-year-old colt is at his best when he gets to stretch out and will have an opportunity to do so in the Plate.
Post #13 – Vitality
Jockey: Jose Campos
Trainer: Harold Ladouceur
Owner: Stronach Stables
Last 3 starts: 1st, MSW (07/19/24, Woodbine); 7th, MSW (05/25/24, Woodbine); 7th, Coronation Futurity (11/25/23, Woodbine)
Odds: 20-1
Need to know: After leaving a desire for more, Vitality put it all together for a 3 ¼-length score last time out. It took longer than expected, but the 3-year-old gelding finally displayed the level of stamina, speed, and endurance that his connections foresaw as a youngster.
Legend:
AOC = Allowance Optional Claiming
MSW = Maiden Special Weight
OC = Optional Claiming
MOC = Maiden Optional Claiming
