King's Plate: 13 Probable Contenders for the Canadian Triple Crown's Inaugural Leg
Anticipation Builds for Canada's Premier Horse Racing Event
Woodbine Unveils Thirteen Probable Runners for the King's Plate
Woodbine recently disclosed the roster of probable participants for the 167th King's Plate, the opening challenge of the Canadian Triple Crown. A total of thirteen horses are expected to compete in this 1 1/4-mile race, setting the stage for an exciting contest.
Highwaytothemoon Leads the Pack Following Plate Trial Victory
Among the featured probables is Highwaytothemoon, who recently triumphed in the Plate Trial at Woodbine on July 19. Under the guidance of trainer Dale Desruisseaux, this Ransom the Moon gelding boasts an impressive record this year with three wins and a single second-place finish, the latter occurring in the King Corrie Stakes.
Key Challengers from the Plate Trial Looking for Redemption
The list of likely participants also includes the horses that finished from second to eighth place in the Plate Trial: Imyourmedicineman, Military Time, Casson, Don Ique, Baaeed Alynna, Powell River, and Fire and Wine. Their presence ensures a strong field of seasoned competitors eager to prove their mettle in the King's Plate.
Renowned Trainers Prepare Their Charges for Triple Crown Glory
Esteemed trainers are well-represented in the upcoming race. Kevin Attard, who celebrated a King's Plate victory in 2025 with Mansetti, is preparing Baaeed Alynna. Mark Casse, a dominant figure at Woodbine, will saddle Casson and Military Time. Casse has a notable history with the Plate, having secured three wins, most recently with Paramount Prince in 2023.
Dixie Law: A Contender with Strong Recent Form
Dixie Law, a Tiz the Law progeny trained by Dale Desruisseaux and ridden by Pietro Moran, enters the King's Plate as a probable. Coming off a second-place finish in the 2026 Woodbine Oaks RS, Dixie Law demonstrates competitive form, making him a horse to watch in this challenging event.
Casson: Casse's Hope for Another Plate Title
Representing Mark Casse's formidable stable, Casson, sired by Caravaggio, will have Sahin Civaci in the saddle. Despite a fourth-place finish in the 2026 Plate Trial RS, Casson is expected to be a strong contender, as Casse aims for his fourth King's Plate triumph.
Fire and Wine: An Outsider with Potential
Fire and Wine, a Lexitonian offspring under the training of Zeljko Krcmar, is listed as a probable. While Rider TBA is yet to be confirmed, the horse's participation suggests a dark horse opportunity, even after an eighth-place finish in the 2026 Plate Trial RS.
Baaeed Alynna: Attard's Bid for Back-to-Back Wins
Kevin Attard's Baaeed Alynna, by Good Magic, is another probable entry, with Rider TBA. After a sixth-place finish in the 2026 Plate Trial RS, Attard will be looking to guide this horse to victory and secure consecutive King's Plate wins.
Bond Market: A Rising Star from Carlos Grant's Stable
Bond Market, a Bond Street colt trained by Carlos Grant and ridden by Xarel Forde, is also a probable. His recent first-place finish in the WO MSW on July 5, 2026, highlights his potential and makes him an interesting prospect for the King's Plate.
Brachetto: Julia Carey's Marine G3 Winner
Brachetto, a Vekoma colt under the care of Julia Carey and with Ryan Munger aboard, secured a first-place finish in the 2026 Marine G3. This impressive performance positions Brachetto as a formidable contender for the King's Plate.
Don Ique: Josie Carroll's Experienced Runner
Don Ique, by Astern, is trained by Josie Carroll and will be ridden by Emma-Jayne Wilson. Having placed fifth in the 2026 Plate Trial RS, Don Ique brings valuable experience to the King's Plate field.
Imyourmedicineman: Shaman Ghost's Promising Colt
Imyourmedicineman, a Shaman Ghost colt trained by Harold Ladouceur and with Luis Contreras as jockey, finished second in the 2026 Plate Trial RS. This strong showing indicates his readiness for the challenges of the King's Plate.
Luster: Woodbine Oaks Champion Eyeing Triple Crown Glory
Luster, a Knicks Go filly trained by Josie Carroll and ridden by John Velazquez, comes to the King's Plate after a dominant first-place finish in the 2026 Woodbine Oaks RS. Her recent success makes her a top contender for this prestigious event.
Magical Factor: Rachel Halden's Strong Challenger
Magical Factor, a The Factor colt trained by Rachel Halden and ridden by Jose Campos, secured a second-place finish in the 2026 Marine G3. This performance underscores his potential to be a strong competitor in the King's Plate.
Military Time: Casse's Second Entry with Solid Form
Military Time, a Gun Runner colt trained by Mark Casse and ridden by Fraser Aebly, placed third in the 2026 Plate Trial RS. As Casse's second entry, Military Time adds depth to the field and represents another strong chance for the veteran trainer.
Very Special: Kevin Attard's Dark Horse
Very Special, a Ghostzapper colt trained by Kevin Attard, with Romero Maragh as jockey, is also listed as a probable. After a third-place finish in the WO MSW on July 4, 2026, Very Special could be a surprise performer in the King's Plate.