2024 King's Plate

Friday, Aug 23, 2024 − Woodbine

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Fri, Aug. 23, 2024
King's Plate
1 1/4 mile
Recap
Top King's Plate News

2024 King's Plate Field

Comments by Ron Gierkink and Sheri Riddoch
Keeneland Logo - designates Keeneland sale graduate
Post Horse Trainer/ Jockey ML Odds
1 Jokestar Kevin Attard Emma-Jayne Wilson 20-1
Trainer: Kevin Attard Jockey: Emma-Jayne Wilson
Last Race: Plate Trial 7/20, 5th by 5 1/4, 78 Owner: Al and Bill Ulwelling Sire: Practical Joke
Ron Gierkink: A pedestrian pace hindered his chances when fifth in the Plate Trial, after which he galloped out strongly.
Sheri Riddoch: Race didn't unfold his way last out, but gained valuable racing experience and looks to have more to offer.
2 Rafaroo Harold Ladouceur Ryan Munger 8-1
Trainer: Harold Ladouceur Jockey: Ryan Munger
Last Race: Plate Trial 7/20, 2nd by 1 1/4, 85 Owner: Stronach Stables Sire: Hard Spun
Ron Gierkink: Gifted maiden will try to become the first horse to win the Plate in his third career start since Awesome Again in 1997.
Sheri Riddoch: Took a huge step forward in his second career start when closing into a slow pace while chasing My Boy Prince in the Trial.
3 Essex Serpent Mark Casse Patrick Husbands 2-1
Trainer: Mark Casse Jockey: Patrick Husbands
Last Race: G3 Marine 6/29, 1st by 1, 89 Owner: Manfred and Penny Conrad Sire: Honor Code
Ron Gierkink: Lightly raced son of Honor Code has improved with each subsequent start and is bred to stay the 1 1/4-mile Plate distance.
Sheri Riddoch: Impressed when taking the G3 Marine on a speed-favoring track after running second to My Boy Prince in the Queenston.
4 Caitlinhergrtness Keeneland Logo Kevin Attard Rafael Hernandez 12-1
Trainer: Kevin Attard Jockey: Rafael Hernandez
Owner: Siena Farm & Winstar Farm Sire: Omaha Beach
Ron Gierkink: Expensive filly has found a home at Woodbine on turf and the Tapeta since joining trainer Kevin Attard's barn.
Sheri Riddoch: Looked like the Oaks winner until she got run down in monster effort off only two weeks' rest; earned spot in the Plate.
5 Midnight Mascot Keeneland Logo Mark Casse Kazushi Kimura 5-1
Trainer: Mark Casse Jockey: Kazushi Kimura
Last Race: G3 Marine 6/29, 3rd by 2, 85 Owner: Manfred and Penny Conrad Sire: Army Mule
Ron Gierkink: Had a fast pace to close behind over a speed-conducive track when a much-improved third in the G3 Marine Stakes.
Sheri Riddoch: Mounted an eye-catching rally in the G3 Marine and looks like he will relish the added distance in the Plate.
6 Friendly Ghost Evette Chartrand-Hoek Justin Stein 30-1
Trainer: Evette Chartrand-Hoek Jockey: Justin Stein
Last Race: Plate Trial 7/20, 3rd by 2 1/4, 83 Owner: Sue Leslie Sire: Outwork
Ron Gierkink: Out of a half-sister to Woodbine Oaks winner Kin's Concerto; broodmare sire Ghostzapper has been Plate gold.
Sheri Riddoch: Passed the two-turn test when third in the Trial after setting the pace by default; numbers are going the right direction.
7 My Boy Prince Mark Casse Sahin Civaci 7-5
Trainer: Mark Casse Jockey: Sahin Civaci
Last Race: Plate Trial 7/20, 1st by 1 1/4, 87 Owner: Gary Barber Sire: Cairo Prince
Ron Gierkink: Reigning Canadian champion male 2yo is a brilliant sprint-miler who might find the Plate distance a little too far for him.
Sheri Riddoch: Showed his class by overcoming many obstacles to win the Plate Trial, question for the 1 1/4-mile distance still looms.
8 Pierre Kevin Attard David Cohen 20-1
Trainer: Kevin Attard Jockey: David Cohen
Last Race: Allowance 7/19, 3rd by 1 1/4, 79 Owner: Al and Bill Ulwelling Sire: Tapiture
Ron Gierkink: Finished second to a good older next-out winner two starts back when going long on the Tapeta for the first time.
Sheri Riddoch: Coming off back-to-back solid educational efforts going long on Tapeta and turf against some tough company.
9 Thor's Cause Krista Cole Jeffery Alderson 50-1
Trainer: Krista Cole Jockey: Jeffery Alderson
Last Race: MSW 7/19, 4th by 5, 62 Owner: Joe Pignatelli & Spirit's Path Management Sire: Brody's Cause
Ron Gierkink: Up-and-coming trainer started initial Plate week with a longshot win on Aug. 11, looks to need some of that luck here.
Sheri Riddoch: Maiden hasn't finished in the exacta position yet in his career, needs a massive turnaround for any type of shot.
10 Bedard Keeneland Logo Kevin Attard Pietro Moran 30-1
Trainer: Kevin Attard Jockey: Pietro Moran
Last Race: ALW 7/19, 2nd by 3 1/4, 65 Owner: X-Men Racing & Madakat Stables Sire: Nyquist
Ron Gierkink: Expensive son of Nyquist, nosed out future winner Wyoming Bill in his improved second race of the year.
Sheri Riddoch: Most accomplished maiden of the group, has been knocking on the door but tough spot to graduate.
11 Roar of the Crowd Dominic Polsinelli, Jr. Fraser Aebly 50-1
Trainer: Dominic Polsinelli, Jr. Jockey: Fraser Aebly
Last Race: ALW 8/1, 3rd by 3 3/4, 68 Owner: Dominic Polsinelli Sire: Reload
Ron Gierkink: Three-quarter brother to Canadian Classic winner Pender Harbour, is bred to go a route of ground.
Shreri Riddoch: Graduated in his second lifetime start against much easier competition, could wreak havoc with the pace scenario.
12 No More Options Keeneland Logo Zeljko Krcmar Daisuke Fukumoto 30-1
Trainer: Zeljko Krcmar Jockey: Daisuke Fukumoto
Last Race: Plate Trial 7/20, 6th by 7 3/4, 74 Owner: Mary Self Sire: Frac Daddy
Ron Gierkink: Last year's Coronation Futurity third-place finisher was a model of consistency prior to the Plate Trial Stakes.
Sheri Riddoch: Deserves another shot after an uncharacteristically poor performance, but declining Beyers are concerning.
13 Vitality Harold Ladouceur Jose Campos 20-1
Trainer: Harold Ladouceur Jockey: Jose Campos
Last Race: Allowance 7/19, 1st by 3 1/4, 71 Owner: Stronach Stables Sire: Street Boss
Ron Gierkink: Rafaroo's stablemate improved dramatically with Lasix added when graduating in his first start as a gelding.
Sheri Riddoch: Stamped himself as a contender with an impressive victory when stretching out in his second start of the season.

All King's Plate News

King’s Plate 2024: Caitlinhergrtness rallies past My Boy Prince to spring upset

Ron Gierkink Aug 23,2024
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Basketball star Caitlin Clark should be proud of her namesake Caitlinhergrtness’s upset score over the boys in the $1 million King’s Plate on Friday at Woodbine as she becam

Filo Di Arianna holds off War Bomber in King Edward Stakes

Ron Gierkink Aug 23,2024
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Favored Filo Di Arianna won the Grade 2 King Edward for the second time on Friday at Woodbine in a gritty display under replacement rider Sahin Civaci, who was subbing for Kazus

Cairo Caper closes wide to win Soaring Free Stakes

Ron Gierkink Aug 23,2024
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Cairo Caper rallied outside to notch his stakes debut under Jose Campos in Friday’s $152,100 Soaring Free for 2-year-olds on the King’s Plate undercard at Woodbine. The h

Casse holding strong hand in rescheduled King's Plate

Ron Gierkink Aug 21,2024
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Trainer Mark Casse looks to have a foothold on Friday’s $1 million King’s Plate at Woodbine when he sends out My Boy Prince, Essex Serpent, and Midnight Mascot in the 165th

Filo Di Arianna stretches out in rescheduled King Edward

Ron Gierkink Aug 21,2024
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Filo Di Arianna got back on track when he returned to Woodbine and won the Grade 2 Highlander. The two-time Canadian champion will prep for the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile in Fridayâ€

Squires takes shots in Soaring Free, Catch a Glimpse stakes

Ron Gierkink Aug 21,2024
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – The Nathan Squires-trained Cairo Consort was crowned Canadian champion 2-year-old filly in 2022 after winning the Catch a Glimpse Stakes and running third in the Breeders’ Cup

King's Plate pedigree profile: Caitlinhergrtness

Nicole Russo Aug 21,2024
Caitlinhergrtness Filly by Omaha Beach – Belatrix, by Giant’s Causeway Bred in Ontario by Jesse Korona ($65,000 Keeneland November weanling purchase by Stoneriggs Farm; $160,000 Keeneland Septem

King's Plate pedigree profile: Friendly Ghost

Nicole Russo Aug 15,2024
Friendly Ghost Gelding by Outwork – Kin’s Ghost, by Ghostzapper Bred in Ontario by Phoenix Rising Farms ($35,134 Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society Ontario Premier yearling purchase by Sue Leslie

King's Plate 2024: Conrads sending two stakes winners

Ron Gierkink Aug 08,2024
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Manfred and Penny Conrad are no strangers to racing success, having won the 2018 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint with longshot Shamrock Rose about five years after diving

King's Plate pedigree profile: Essex Serpent

Nicole Russo Aug 08,2024
Essex Serpent Gelding by Honor Code – Eileen’s Girl, by Medaglia d’Oro Bred in Ontario by Conrad Farms   Manfred and Penny Conrad’s homebred Essex Serpent was late to the part

King's Plate 2024: Ladouceur's hands-on approach paying off with Rafaroo, Vitality

Ron Gierkink Aug 01,2024
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Harold Ladouceur is a rare breed among trainers. The 57-year-old gallops many of his own horses, including the Stronach Stables runners Rafaroo and Vitality, who are both headed

King's Plate pedigree profile: Rafaroo

Nicole Russo Aug 01,2024
Rafaroo Colt by Hard Spun – Light Green, by Pleasantly Perfect Bred in Ontario by Adena Springs   Rafaroo is still a maiden, but gave a fine account of himself in his second career

King's Plate 2024: Trip notes and analysis from Plate Trial, Woodbine Oaks

DRF Staff Jul 25,2024
Plate Trial Stakes July 20, Woodbine Winner: My Boy Prince Trainer: Mark Casse Jockey: Sahin Civaci Owner: Gary Barber Beyer Speed Figure: 87 My Boy Prince had to show a new dimension after

My Boy Prince overcomes slow to start to win King's Plate Trial

Ron Gierkink Jul 20,2024
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Heavily-favored My Boy Prince won Saturday’s $150,000 Plate Trial Stakes in workmanlike fashion at Woodbine after a tardy start in the 1 1/18-mile prep for the prestigious Kin

King's Plate 2024: Casse holds strong hand with My Boy Prince, Essex Serpent, Midnight Mascot

Ron Gierkink Jul 11,2024
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Trainer Mark Casse is probably going to win the 165th running of the $1 million King’s Plate, North America’s oldest annually run stakes, on Aug. 17 at Woodbine. The questio

King's Plate pedigree profile: My Boy Prince

Nicole Russo Jul 11,2024
My Boy Prince Cairo Prince – Hopping Not Hoping, by Silent Name Bred in Ontario by Murray Graham Smith ($87,835 U.S. funds CTHS Ontario division Canadian Premier Yearling sale purchase by Dr. Rob

Piper's Factor takes next step toward King's Plate in Marine Stakes

Ron Gierkink Jun 27,2024
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Piper’s Factor got back on the beam in his last breakout race and will take another step toward the Aug. 17 King’s Plate in Saturday’s Grade 3, $150,000 Marine for 3-year-

My Boy Prince continues path to King's Plate in Queenston

Ron Gierkink Jun 07,2024
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Sunday’s $125,000 Queenston Stakes at Woodbine is a King’s Plate prep with a terrific nine-horse field. Among those contesting the seven-furlong test for Canadian-bred 3-yea

Casse sends out two King's Plate prospects in five-horse King Corrie

Ron Gierkink May 17,2024
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Trainer Mark Casse sends out the prime King’s Plate prospects My Boy Prince and Midnight Mascot in Sunday’s $100,000 King Corrie, a seven-furlong stakes for 3-year-olds at W

King's Plate switched to a Saturday in 2024

Ron Gierkink Nov 22,2023
ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Woodbine Entertainment has announced the 165th running of the $1 million King’s Plate will be switched from a Sunday to a Saturday in 2024 and will be run on Aug. 17. This yearâ

Record handle for 2023 King's Plate card at Woodbine

Ron Gierkink Aug 21,2023
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Handle on Sunday’s 13-race card of $18,127,049 was a record for a King’s or Queen’s Plate card at Woodbine, surpassing the previous record of $18,005,973 set in 2019. â

Paramount Prince takes early lead in King's Plate all the way home

Ron Gierkink Aug 20,2023
ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Paramount Prince went straight to the front under Patrick Husbands and never looked back to take Sunday’s $1 million King’s Plate over a determined Elysian Field, giving train
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Past King's Plate Winners

Year Horse/Trainer Horse Trainer Beyer
2024
Caitlinhergrtness
Kevin Attard
 Caitlinhergrtness Kevin Attard 88
2023
Paramount Prince
Mark Casse
 Paramount Prince Mark Casse 93
2022
Moira
Kevin Attard
 Moira Kevin Attard 97
2021
Safe Conduct
Philip Serpe
 Safe Conduct Philip Serpe 88
2020
Mighty Heart
Josie Carroll
 Mighty Heart Josie Carroll 99
2019
One Bad Boy
Richard Baltas
 One Bad Boy Richard Baltas 94
2018
Wonder Gadot
Mark Casse
 Wonder Gadot Mark Casse 95
2017
Holy Helena
James Jerkens
 Holy Helena James Jerkens 96
2016
Sir Dudley Digges
Michael Maker
 Sir Dudley Digges Michael Maker 85
2015
Shaman Ghost
Brian Lynch
 Shaman Ghost Brian Lynch 87
2014
Lexie Lou
Mark Casse
 Lexie Lou Mark Casse 91
2013
Midnight Aria
Nicholas Gonzalez
 Midnight Aria Nicholas Gonzalez 101