The 166th iteration of the celebrated $1 million King’s Plate Stakes at Woodbine on Saturday has attracted a highly competitive group of entrants.
Thirteen Canadian-bred 3-year-old horses will compete over 1 1/4 miles on the all-weather Tapeta Footings main track in Canada’s version of the Kentucky Derby. The entrants include several accomplished stakes victors, such as Grade 3 HPIbet Marine Stakes victor #1 Mansetti (10-1), Coronation Futurity victor #3 Notorious Gangster (9-2), Woodbine Oaks victor #10 No Time (7-2), and Plate Trial Stakes victor #12 Sedburys Ghost (6-1).
All four of these contenders merit consideration in the King’s Plate. Notorious Gangster is particularly enticing. In the Plate Trial Stakes last month, he encountered traffic congestion around the final bend, but showed determination upon finding racing room to finish second, 1 1/4 lengths behind Sedburys Ghost. A clear passage while stretching out over 1 1/4 miles may provide Notorious Gangster with an opportunity to reverse the outcome.
However, could the King’s Plate be won by a horse making his initial appearance against seasoned stakes competitors? #7 Runaway Again (12-1) displayed exceptional talent when debuting in a 1 1/16-mile maiden special weight at Woodbine last month, implying he could possess significant potential.
Runaway Again encountered a difficult start in his debut and trailed the eight-horse field in the early stages. However, he rapidly gained ground around the far turn and seized the lead in the stretch, ultimately extending his advantage to an impressive 9 1/4 lengths, earning an 86 Brisnet Speed rating that compares favorably to the King’s Plate entrants.
Assuming Runaway Again experiences a clean start while extending to 1 1/4 miles, it’s plausible he could demonstrate considerable improvement. Encouraging workouts since his debut victory reinforce the notion that Runaway Again is prepared for a successful performance in the King’s Plate.
Given Runaway Again’s morning line odds of 12-1, win and place wagers should yield substantial returns if he finishes first or second. For those with a limited betting budget, such as $10, seeking to support a live longshot, this is the recommended wagering strategy.
However, incorporating Runaway Again in the exacta (requiring selection of the top-two finishers in the correct order) presents the potential for even greater payouts. If you choose to invest more and wager on the exacta, consider combining Runaway Again with Notorious Gangster and Mansetti.
Wagering Approach on a $10 Budget
$5 to win on #7 Runaway Again
Instructions for the betting clerk: Woodbine, Race 9, $5 to win on #7 Runaway Again
$5 to place on #7 Runaway Again
Instructions for the betting clerk: Woodbine, Race 9, $5 to place on #7 Runaway Again
Wagering Approach on a $30 Budget
$10 to win on #7 Runaway Again
Instructions for the betting clerk: Woodbine, Race 9, $5 to win on #7 Runaway Again
$3 exacta: 7 with 1,3 (total cost: $6)
Instructions for the betting clerk: Woodbine, Race 9, $3 exacta 7 with 1,3
$7 exacta: 1,3 with 7 (total cost: $14)
Instructions for the betting clerk: Woodbine, Race 9, $7 exacta 1,3 with 7
Best of luck, and have a pleasant viewing experience!
