Woodbine All-Stakes Pick 3 Plays into the King’s Plate

An exciting three-race sequence of graded stakes events, concluded by the $1 million King’s Plate S., will be offered at Woodbine on Friday.  

Race 7 Wagers

• $1 Pick 3: 1,4,6,8 with 2,3,6 with 2,3,7 ($36)
• $1 Pick 3: 8 with 2,3,6 with 2,3,7 ($9)

Race 7 – King Edward S. (G2)

The one-mile event on the lawn attracted eight, led by deserving favorite #8 Filo Di Arianna (4-5). This Mark Casse trainee won this race with ease in 2022 and had a nice prep win last time out. The classy chestnut will be a single on one of my tickets with Kaz Kimura in the silks. 

On my spread ticket, I will also use #1 Cruden Bay (7-2), winner of the Connaught Cup (G2) in his latest venture; interesting longshot #4 Like the King (10-1); and defending champ #6 War Bomber (5-1), who had an excellent second in the Connaught. 

Race 8 – Bold Venture S. (G3)

A talented field of seven will travel 6 1/2 panels on the main oval in the middle leg. #3 Patches O’Houlihan (7-5) is a superb 7-for-8 on the local Tapeta and ran arguably the best race of his life in his 2024 debut for trainer Robert Tiller. The four-year-old will be sent from the opening bell with Sofia Vives in hopes of defending his title. 

#2 Ironstone (8-1) possesses the best turn of foot in the field and could be rallying into a rapid early tempo under Ryan Munger. The W. V. Armata trainee has been in solid form in 2024 and comes off a pair of credible runs on the turf leading up to this event.

#6 Playmea Tune (4-1) has been electric from a pair of wins to begin his career for Josie Carroll, and it would be foolish to omit the son of Maclean’s Music. The Chiefswood homebred could be any kind, and his talent might very well trump his lack of seasoning. 

Race 9 – King’s Plate S. 

A baker’s dozen of Canada-breds will travel 1 1/4 miles on the main surface in the feature. My top pick is #3 Essex Serpent (2-1), who is coming off a measured tally in the Marine S. (G3) on the oval last time out. One of two major players here for Casse, the Honor Code gelding gives the impression of a horse who will excel at longer distances. 

Casse’s #7 My Boy Prince (7-5) dons a 6-5-1-0 mark on the oval and will be a tough beat with his best effort. The Cairo Prince colt is no sure thing at 1 1/4 miles, but he’s simply too good to ignore. 

#2 Rafaroo (8-1) was a smart runner-up in the Plate Trial S. while making his second career start. Any improvement could find the Hard Spun colt in with a chance late at a nice price.