August 18, 2023
TORONTO — By: Matthew Lomon
Royal Rumble
Have you heard that the 164th running of The King’s Plate is happening this weekend? For those who aren’t caught up, Canadian Thoroughbred racing’s most illustrious event is taking centre stage at Woodbine Racetrack on Sunday, August 20.
The first King’s Plate since 1951 (previously called the Queen’s Plate from 1860 to 1901 and 1952 to 2022) will feature a 17-horse field, which is the maximum allowance for the race. Interestingly, there are seven horses listed at 30-1 odds coming into race, meaning bettors will have a plethora of wagering options to choose from outside of the opening line favourites (Kalik, Stanley House, and Kaukokaipuu).
Saturday Night Lights
Saturday night’s 13 races at Mohawk has a little bit of everything for bettors. From Ontario Sires Stakes Gold races to hotly contested elimination events, it’s a can’t-miss card of Standardbred racing under the lights.
In total, there are five elimination races, including three for the William Wellwood Memorial, along with three contests in Ontario Sires Gold series. The festivities began at 7:00 p.m., but if you can’t make it in-person, don’t fret. On Thursday, August 17, Woodbine CEO Jim Lawson announced that racing lines are now available Bet 365.
Bettors can also turn to DarkHorse Bets and HPIbet as other online wagering options.
Fantastic Four
The King Edward Stakes, which is being run at Woodbine on Saturday, August 19, presents a chance for two of the game’s greatest trainers to add another accolade to their respective sterling resumes.
Mark Casse is looking for his fourth consecutive King Edward victory, after hitting the mark with Filo di Arianna (BRZ), Olympic Runner, and March to the Arch in his past three tries. This time around, Casse will rely on Lucky Score and Conglomerate to complete the four-peat.
On the flip side, Roger Attfield is going for his fourth overall King Edward title with Shirl’s Speight. The 6-year-old Kentucky-bred is making his return to Woodbine after spending the winter racing in Japan and Dubai.
Home Field Advantage
Nothing recharges the batteries like coming home after a long stretch on the road. Field Pass, a multiple graded-stakes winning millionaire, is returning to Maryland for the 42nd running of the Find for Maryland.
The 6-year-old has only raced twice this year, once on February 4 in Tampa Bay and again on July 20 at Saratoga, both of which produced uncharacteristic poor results. Field Pass’ trainer Mike Maker is hoping that the familiar sights of Maryland’s Laurel Park will get the highly decorated hometown hero back on track.
Harness the Energy
Just how the King’s Plate is the most exciting event on the Canadian Thoroughbred racing schedule, the Gold Cup and Saucer is the most anticipated Standardbred event on the Eastern Canadian racing calendar.
An East Coast tradition dating back to 1961, the Gold Cup and Saucer is more than just a race, or 11 races for that matter. Fans and families gather in the streets and under the lights at Charlottetown Driving Park in Prince Edward Island to celebrate some of the best horses in Canadian harness racing.
This year’s Gold Cup and Saucer final will go off this Saturday at its usual two minutes to midnight post-time.
