King's Plate draws field of 17, plus two also-eligibles

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Saratoga-based Kalik drew post 6 and has been tabbed as the 3-1 morning-line favorite for the 164th running of the $1 million King’s Plate on Sunday at Woodbine. The 1 1/4-mile classic on Tapeta has 17 Canadian-foaled 3-year-olds in the body of the race, plus two also-eligibles.

A turf specialist trained by Chad Brown, Kalik won three races in a row in the spring, culminating with a front-running score in the Grade 2 Pennine Ridge over about 1 1/8 miles on June 3 at Belmont Park. He acted up in the gate prior to his last start in the Grade 1 Belmont Derby on July 8 and was never in contention when eighth.

Kazushi Kimura, Woodbine’s leading rider, has the mount on Kalik. He combined with Brown to capture the Grade 1 E.P. Taylor on Rougir here last October.

“This is a great opportunity for me to win my first King’s Plate,” Kimura said. “I’ve been watching video and looking at what this horse is capable of. I really like the way the horse glides when he runs. He’s very strong and he’s very competitive.”

Stanley House, the 4-1 second choice under Javier Castellano, drew post 1. The beaten favorite when sixth in the Plate Trial, Stanley House is one of three Mike DePaulo-trained runners in the field, along with Plate Trial runner-up Cool Kiss (30-1) and El Cohete (50-1).

:: Bet with the Best! Get Free DRF PPs and Cashback when you wager. Join DRF Bets.

“I don’t mind the one hole,” DePaulo said. “It’s the shortest way around.”

Queenston Stakes winner Kaukokaipuu is ranked next on the line at 6-1 under Rico Walcott. Trained by Ted Holder, the son of Mr Speaker has trained up to the King’s Plate since finishing second to the favored shipper Turf King in the Grade 3 Marine here July 1.

Mark Casse trains Woodbine Oaks winner Elysian Field (8-1), who was supplemented at a cost of $25,000, and Plate Trial victor Paramount Prince (10-1).

Sahin Civaci will break Elysian Field from post 2.

“It’s a nice post – I’ll work out” a trip, Civaci said.

Elysian Field is one of two fillies in the lineup, along with Oaks-runner-up Wickenheiser, who was tabbed at 12-1.

Trainer Kevin Attard sends out Wickenheiser along with reigning Canadian champion male 2-year-old Philip My Dear (30-1), Moon Landing (20-1), Velocitor (30-1), and also-eligible Enjoythesilent (50-1).

Attard won last year’s Plate with the brilliant Moira, who went on to be crowned Canadian Horse of the Year. He was delighted when Wickenheiser landed post 8.

:: Get Daily Racing Form Past Performances – the exclusive home of Beyer Speed Figures

“Moira also drew the eight hole, so I think that’s a good omen,” Attard said.

Rounding out the field are Midnight in Malibu (30-1), Morstachy’s (50-1), Silent Miracle (30-1), supplement Touch’n Ride (12-1), Twin City (30-1), and Twowaycrossing (30-1). The second also eligible, Moira’s maiden full-brother Runaway Charlie, is listed at 50-1.

The Plate will be broadcast on CTV and TSN in Canada from 4:30-6 p.m. Eastern. Post time for Sunday’s card is 12:25 p.m., and the Plate is scheduled for 5:39 p.m.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.