Moira, ridden by jockey Rafael Hernandez, emerged victorious in the 2022 Queen’s Plate and is now considered a top contender for the Grade II Dance Smartly Stakes at Woodbine this Sunday. The excitement continues in the horse racing world as the prestigious Canadian race, previously known as the “Queen’s Plate,” returns to its original name, the “King’s Plate,” in honor of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s successor, King Charles. Meanwhile, Del Mar and Monmouth Park are also gearing up for important stakes races. Internationally, Japan is kicking off its autumn season with the Sapporo Kinen, and Australia is excitedly launching its sprint season with the Winx Stakes. Additionally, a promising Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” race is taking place in France.
Classic Saturday at Monmouth Park features the $250,000 Grade III Philip H. Iselin Stakes, where Zozos, trained by Brad Cox, is expected to shine. The 4-year-old colt has an impressive track record, winning three consecutive races, including stakes events at Churchill Downs and Ellis Park. Although he finished 10th in the Kentucky Derby, Zozos has proven to be a formidable competitor. The other horses in the race might be good, but they are not as strong as Zozos.
The much-anticipated King’s Plate at Woodbine this Sunday is drawing attention as it brings together 17 entries and two also-eligibles for the $1 million (Canadian) race. Kalik, trained by Chad Brown, is the favorite for the race. With six previous starts on the New York circuit, including a victory in the Grade II Pennine Ridge at Belmont, Kalik has already proven his ability on a larger stage. Despite a disappointing eighth-place finish in the Grade I Belmont Derby, he still showcased his talent against tough competitors. Elysian Field, the winner of the Woodbine Oaks, and Paramount Prince, the Plate Trial champion, both trained by Mark Casse, will also be competing in the King’s Plate. Their success in this race could open doors for them in the future.
In the Grade I Alabama Stakes at Saratoga on Saturday, 10 three-year-old fillies, including Wet Paint and Gambling Girl, who finished fourth and second in the Kentucky Oaks, respectively, will battle for the $600,000 prize. Wet Paint, the morning-line favorite, recently won the Grade I Coaching Club American Oaks. Oaks winner Pretty Mischievous decided to skip this race, potentially putting her divisional standing at risk if Wet Paint performs well. There are a few potential upsetters in the mix as well.
Sunday’s $150,000 (Canadian) Grade III Bold Venture Stakes at Woodbine features Patches O’Houlihan, aiming for his fifth consecutive win. Despite a step up in class, Patches O’Houlihan is the second favorite in the morning line, with Candy Overload taking the top spot. Flag of Honour, who recently arrived from Australia, will also make his first start in this race. As sprinters take the spotlight Down Under, Flag of Honour could make an impact.
The $300,000 Grade I Del Mar Oaks on Saturday presents a well-matched field of 10 fillies. Anisette, a British-bred filly trained by Chad Brown, is the morning-line favorite. She has won three consecutive races, starting on the Wolverhampton all-weather track and most recently securing a victory in the Grade II San Clemente over the Del Mar grass. Impact Warrior, Be Your Best, Window Shopping, Ruby Nell, and Big Pond are all strong contenders as well. Chad Brown has saddled five out of the 10 fillies entered in the $200,000 Grade II Lake Placid Stakes at Saratoga on Saturday. Additionally, Todd Pletcher has two fillies in the race. With such a strong lineup, the competition will be fierce.
Sunday’s $200,000 (Canadian) Grade II Dance Smartly Stakes at Woodbine will see Moira defending Canadian honor against two formidable New York invaders. Moira, a 4-year-old Ghostzapper filly, secured victories in last year’s Woodbine Oaks and Queen’s Plate and finished fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. After narrowly missing victory in her 2023 debut, she placed second behind Fev Rover in the Grade II Nassau. The race also features Salimah, trained by Chad Brown, who recently won three out of her last four races, and Miss Dracarys, trained by Neil Drysdale, making her first start since winning the Forever Together Stakes at Aqueduct last November. It promises to be an exciting showdown.
In Friday’s $100,000 CTT and TOC Stakes at Del Mar, Neige Blanche and Queenof the Temple are the early favorites among a field of nine.
Saturday’s $200,000 (Canadian) Grade II King Edward Stakes at Woodbine boasts Shirl’s Speight as the morning-line favorite. Although the 6-year-old son of Speightstown hasn’t won since April 2022, he has consistently produced strong performances, finishing second in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Mile and fourth in the Group 1 Dubai Turf. However, his five-month layoff could pose a challenge, making this a wide-open affair.
Clitheroe leads the field of seven in Saturday’s $125,000 (Canadian) Sweet Briar Too Stakes for fillies and mares at Woodbine.
Friday’s $150,000 Skidmore Stakes at Saratoga has an overflow field, with No Nay Mets as the morning-line favorite. Sunday’s $125,000 (Canadian) Soaring Free Stakes at Woodbine also features a promising field of 11 horses, including some invaders from south of the border.
Sunday’s $150,000 Bolton Landing Stakes at Saratoga showcases Amidst Waves as the star. The Midshipman filly has recently won two races, including the Colleen Stakes at Monmouth Park.
Eleven fillies, including Living Magic, winner of the My Dear Stakes, are set to compete in Sunday’s $125,000 (Canadian) Catch a Glimpse Stakes at Woodbine.
The $200,000 Sorority Stakes at Monmouth Park on Sunday will see Princess Indy, Wine on Tap, and Kiss For Luck, among others, battling it out.
Around the world, racing enthusiasts can look forward to the Group 1 Jean Romanet and Group 1 Morny at Deauville in France on Sunday. The Prix Morny serves as a “Win and You’re In” for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. Though final declarations are yet to be announced, Via Sistina, the winner of the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes, will participate after finishing a disappointing third.
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