WOODBINE — By: Matthew Lomon

The 164^th running of the King’s Plate is fast approaching. This year’s 17 horse field is filled with interesting storylines and characters to boot. To help you narrow down which horse or horses you’ll want to bet on, we’ve gone ahead and drawn up pro athlete comparisons for each entrant in the race.

Horse: Cool Kiss (30-1)

Athlete Comp: Derrick Henry, NFL Running Back

It only makes sense that King Henry is the first pro athlete comparison from the 2023 King’s Plate field. Known for his imposing frame, Derrick Henry is the kind of running back that only gets better as the game goes on. Since 2017, the 6’3” 247-pound bruiser is averaging 5.4 yards per carry in the fourth quarter, which is half a yard more than his career average of 4.9.

His equine equivalent, Cool Kiss, shares the same trait, in that he gets stronger with every stride. When the real running starts and everything is on the line, that’s when Cool Kiss starts to shine. Need late-race heroics? Embrace the horse that is Cool Kiss.

Horse: El Cohete (50-1)

Athlete Comp: Henry Armstrong, Former Pro Boxer

El Cohete doesn’t mind getting down to business early and mixing it up with his rivals. He doesn’t shy away from going toe-to-toe to set the tone. Some might argue that’s a bold strategy for a race of the King’s Plate status. Others might say it’s a sign that the bright lights won’t get in his way.

If you’re on the fence, allow me to introduce (or remind) you of former pro boxing legend, Henry Armstrong. The Columbus, Mississippi kid made waves with his aggressive, out-of-the-gates style, en route to scoring 152 career wins, including 100 via knockout.

Will El Cohete take another page out of Armstrong’s book? Tune in on Sunday, August 20 to find out.

Horse: Elysian Field (8-1)

Athlete Comp: Bianca Andreescu, Tennis Player

Mark Casse-trained Elysian Field has made quite the name for herself in 2023. In her last three races, she owns a line of 2-1-0, headlined by a victory in the Woodbine Oaks on July 23. Now, entering the King’s Plate for the first time, the filly is looking to translate her recent success to the grandest stage in Canadian thoroughbred racing.

Elysian Field’s trajectory is reminiscent of that of Canadian tennis star Bianca Andreescu, who took down some massive names to capture the 2019 US Open. The Mississauga, Ontario native triumphed over Caroline Wozniacki (no.19) and Belinda Bencic (no.12) before defeating arguably the greatest player the game has ever seen, Serena Williams, in straight sets.

Elysian Field can make the comparison indisputable with a King’s Plate trophy.

Horse: Kalik (3-1)

Athlete Comp: Steven Stamkos-Brayden Point-Nikita Kucherov, NHL Players

Kalik is a special horse, no doubt, but I’d be failing you if I didn’t mention his prolific connections. Calling trainer Chad Brown and jockey Kazushi Kimura a world-class duo doesn’t even begin to do them justice. Now, take that elite pairing, add a horse that’s already won three of his six career starts, and what do you get? The King’s Plate favourite.

And, who better to compare them to than the best line in professional hockey. Stamkos and Kucherov are the household heavyweights (Brown and Kimura), while Point (Kalik) is blossoming into one of the faces of the league. In short, if these trios are together, they’re always going to be in title contention.

Horse: Kaukokaipuu (6-1)

Athlete Comp: Andy Roddick, Former Tennis Player

If we wanted to continue with the previous theme, we could have said that Kaukokaipuu reminds us of the early 2010’s Texas Rangers teams that lost back-to-back World Series. However, that’s not entirely fair because like his true comparison, Andy Roddick, Kaukokaipuu has won before. He’s just finished second a lot… seven times in 11 career starts a lot.

Andy Roddick, the former world number one on the men’s tour, won the US Open in 2003. He also finished second at Wimbledon three times, which isn’t quite seven, but you get the idea. The point here is that Kaukokaipuu has the opportunity to avenge Roddick and do something for the second-place finishers of the world.

Horse: Midnight in Malibu (30-1)

Athlete Comp: Rich Beem, Pro Golfer

Here’s one: where were you when Rich Beem cut through the Tiger Woods hysteria to win the 2002 PGA Championship? To be fair, that’s probably something only a Rich Beem superfan would remember. Either way, the Phoenix, Arizona native’s only major win will forever be remembered as one of the greatest underdog performances in PGA history.

Taking it to the track, Midnight in Malibu pulled off an incredible upset of his own in his last race before the Plate. On July 23, the colt entered the seven-horse field without much chance, at least according to the bettors. None of that mattered, though, as Midnight in Malibu stunned the competition, winning at 32-1.

He’s certainly capable of pulling off a ‘Rich Beem.’ Does he have one more left in him?

Horse: Moon Landing (20-1)

Athlete Comp: Justin Fields, NFL Quarterback

Just like Chicago Bears Quarterback Justin Fields, Moon Landing has shown glimpses of excellence in his short career. Again, like Fields, he’s also struggled with consistency at times. In six career starts, the Kevin Attard-trainee has finished first, fourth, fourth, ninth, twelfth, and third. In fairness, the colt is moving up the ranks to face stiffer competition, and that requires an adjustment period regardless of the sport or species playing it.

The good news is the arrow is trending up for both of these athletes. Last season, Fields showed off his otherworldly talents in the open field, recording the second-most rushing yards by a QB in a single season (1,143 rushing yards). Similarly, Moon Landing produced a very encouraging third place finish in his final tune up race before the Plate.

Is 2023 the year of Moon Landing and Justin Fields?

Horse: Morstachy’s (50-1)

Athlete Comp: Darren Sproles, Former NFL Running Back

One of the biggest myths in sport is that an athlete’s lack of size automatically correlates to a lack of ability. Just ask former NFL running back and return specialist Darren Sproles, who became the first player in NFL history to accumulate 2,200-plus scrimmage yards in four different seasons, all while measuring in at 5’6”, 190 pounds.

Morstachy’s, who’s trained by Renico Lafond, is a smaller horse, that like Sproles, can turn on the afterburners to pull away from the pack. He’s the kind of horse that enjoys getting in a footrace and that can cause trouble for the ones who rely on talents other than pure speed.

Horse: Paramount Prince (10-1)

Athlete Comp: Mookie Betts, MLB Outfielder/Infielder

Did you know that Mookie Betts came up as a second baseman before moving to right field because the Keystone was occupied by former American League MVP Dustin Pedroia? The move didn’t seem to affect Betts too much, as he quickly blossomed into an MVP in his own right. Fast forward to 2023, and Betts is back to playing all over the diamond for the Los Angeles Dodgers, picking up starts at second base, shortstop, and of course, right field.

Paramount Prince, like Betts, is a ‘do-it-all’ type of athlete. In five career starts, he’s ran at six furlongs, seven furlongs, and most recently, 1 1/8 miles, resulting in a 2-2-1 line. No matter the distance, this gelding is ready to compete at the highest level.

Adaptability, versatility, and flexibility. The shared traits of two of the best utility men in their respective sports.

Horse: Philip My Dear (30-1)

Athlete Comp: Michael Harris II, MLB Outfielder

After bursting onto the scene in his debut season, recording a 3-0-2 line, Philip My Dear endured a slow start to 2023 before finding his rhythm in the Plate Trial Stakes. For his accomplishments as a rookie, Philip My Dear earned the 2022 Sovereign Award for Champion 2-Year-Old Colt. To date, the Raroma Stable runner’s career is strikingly similar to that of Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II.

Harris II, who grew up as a Braves fan in DeKalb County, Georgia, was called up to the big club on May 28, 2022. His impact was immediate. In 114 games as a rookie, the centerfielder hit .297 with 19 home runs, 64 runs batted in, and 20 stolen bases to capture National League Rookie of the Year Honours. His 2023 didn’t start as smoothly, but he’s rebounded in the last two-and-a-half months, hitting .341 to raise his season average to .287.

The good ones will always find a way to get their groove back.

Horse: Silent Miracle (30-1)

Athlete Comp: Matthew Knies, NHL Player

Silent Miracle is a lightly raced horse that has shown a propensity for rising to the occasion. In five career starts, the John Mattine-trainee has a record of 3-0-1. The King’s Plate will far and away be his toughest challenge to date, but there is no denying this horse’s talent and star potential.

The first athlete comp that came to mind for Silent Miracle was a Toronto Maple Leafs forward that isn’t a part of the polarizing core four… at least, not right now. Matthew Knies, a 20-year-old winger from Phoenix (shoutout again Rich Beem) played just three career regular season games before getting his first taste of playoff hockey. He quickly proved he belonged in the show, tallying one goal and three assists in seven matches.

The young bucks are here and they’re not afraid to take on the next level.

Horse: Stanley House (4-1)

Athlete Comp: DeMar DeRozan, NBA Player

Stanley House is as resilient as they get. If he gets a poor start or can’t find his lane,

the colt doesn’t hang his head. Instead, he digs in and always finds a way to give himself a chance. Coming into the Plate as the second-favourite, Stanley House owns a clean 2-3-0 record in seven career starts.

Current Chicago Bulls guard/forward and former Toronto Raptors legend DeMar DeRozan is wired the same way, in that he’ll will his team to victory, even on an off night. During the 2022-23 NBA season, DeRozan finished third league-wide in fourth quarter scoring for a Bulls team that clawed its way into the Play-In Tournament.

What’s that old Jim George quote? “It’s not how you start that’s important, but how you finish.”

Horse: Touch’n Ride (12-1)

Athlete Comp: Garrett Wilson, NFL Wide Receiver

If you haven’t noticed yet, this year’s King’s Plate field has drawn several parallels to first- and second-year athletes. That’s all by design, as many of the horse are looking to make a splash in what will be the most prestigious run of their young careers. This includes Touch’n Ride, who take the post for just the third time on Sunday. The Chiefswood Stables product has performed admirably in limited action, achieving a 1-0-1 line in two career starts.

His athlete comp, New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson, is expected to leap into the strata of the NFL’s elite pass catchers now that future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers is under centre. Like Touch’n Ride, last year’s NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year has shown immense potential, even if it’s just been a small sample size.

Horse: Twin City (30-1)

Athlete Comp: Kirby Puckett, Former MLB Outfielder

Believe it or not, Twin City and former Minnesota Twins outfielder Kirby Puckett share a lot more than a Minnesota connection. Stuart Simon, Twin City’s trainer, applauded the gelding for his versatility. The dam of Minnie Apple Is is comfortable in all sorts of situations and distances. Whether he’s running on the lead or coming off the pace, at 1/16 or 1 ¼-mile, he’ll find a way.

His style bears a resemblance to the late-great Kirby Puckett, who put on a show with the bat and the glove. Over the course of his 12-year Hall of Fame career, the 5’8” Puckett won as many silver sluggers as he did gold gloves (six). He even chipped in 134 stolen bases.

The more you have in your toolbox, the more ways there are to win.

Horse: Twowaycrossing (30-1)

Athlete Comp: Jeremy Sochan, NBA Player

Part of what makes this comparison fun, is that it focuses on the men calling the shots. Twowaycrossing’s trainer, Roger Attfield needs no introduction, but I should remind you that he’s tied with Harry Giddings Jr. for the most King’s Plate victories of all time (eight) by a trainer. Coming into Sunday’s affair on a high note, Twowaycrossing won his tune up race on July 30.

I compared the gelding to San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan because they both have Mount Rushmore-type caoches and showed signs of growth after an inconsistent start to their respective seasons. Sochan notably experimented with one-handed free throws after struggling from the foul line (45.8%) to start his career. Since making the switch, he finished the year at 69.8%.

It goes to show that a good coach can make all the difference in the world.

Horse: Wickenheiser (12-1)

Athlete Comp: Hayley Wickenheiser, Canadian Hockey Legend

Full transparency, this one was more difficult than it so clearly seemed. What’s worse? Going with the obvious choice or picking from off the board in an attempt to seem smart? Here’s a quick life lesson, don’t make easy decisions complicated by overthinking. Hayley Wickenheiser it is!

Regarded as one of the most accomplished athletes in Canadian history, both on the ice and off, Hayley Wickenheiser is the perfect person to name a championship racehorse after. Her namesake, Wickenheiser, enters the Plate in great form, having never finished lower than fifth in six career stars.

The filly will look to duplicate some of that Wickenheiser magic on Sunday afternoon at Woodbine. 

Horse: Velocitor (30-1)

Athlete Comp: Ilya Samsonov, NHL Player

The fourth horse trained by Kevin Attard participating in the Plate, Velocitor, strung together several strong performances out of the gate. In his first five career starts, all in 2022, the gelding went 3-1-1. He hit a bit of a rough patch to start 2023 but responded with an encouraging fourth place effort in the Plate Trial on July 23.

Velocitor’s pattern of results closely resembles that of Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov. When the 26-year-old netminder joined the Leafs for the 2022-23 season, he made an immediate impact. Through the first five months of the season, he went 22-7 before going into a short-lived slump in March. Samsonov, like Velocitor, regained his form heading into crunch time.

The horse racing season is filled with ups and downs, but that’s how we get the best stories.