King’s Plate Weekend Overview
Another big weekend of horseracing is on tap, and this time we head north of the border for The King’s Plate at Woodbine. It’s Canada’s version of the Kentucky Derby, and Let ’em Run will take a full dive into the race on our Happy Hour podcast on Friday at 3PM. We will also break down the feature race at Saratoga on Saturday, The Christophe Clement Turf Stakes, a Grade 1 event formerly known as The Sword Dancer. Then be sure to tune in Saturday at 12:30 after scratches, when we will walk through the late P5 at Saratoga, races 8 through 12. Here is how we see the sequence shaping up at Sports Talk Florida and Let ’em Run.
Late P5 at Saratoga: Races 8 – 12
Race 8 – 4:29 EST – MSW 115K – 6 Furlongs Dirt
A tough maiden race with several expensive runners makes for a challenging start to the sequence. The #3 Q B Rocket at 4‑1, purchased for 1.9 million, looks ready to fire for trainer Brad Cox. His workouts have been sharp, including multiple bullet drills. On the outside, #10 Vukota at 12‑1 offers intrigue. With Kendrick Carmouche aboard and strong morning works, this debut runner could surprise.
Race 9 – 5:06 EST – The Christophe Clement Turf – Grade 1 – 1 1⁄2 Miles – 750K
The sentimental choice is #2 Tawny Port, trained by Miguel Clement. He won last out in a two‑mile marathon, so stamina is not a concern, but the 0‑for‑10 record at this distance is. Our top pick is #7 Survie at 6‑1. The Ireland‑bred five‑year‑old impressed winning at this distance in his North American debut. Manny Franco takes over, a strong fit for this closer, and the post position helps. The wildcard is #1 Ancient Egypt at 5‑1, another Ireland‑bred runner who has just missed twice at the distance and may try to steal it from the rail under David Egan. The #4 Program Trading at 7‑2 will be on many tickets, looking to win three straight with Flavien Prat staying aboard.
Race 10 – 5:44 EST – The Galway – 5 1⁄2 Furlongs Turf – 200K
This race is wide open, and our ticket gets deep here. The #1 Gerrards Cross at 6‑1 may have a pace advantage. The switch to Dylan Davis is an upgrade for trainer Kathleen O’Connell, and the third start off the layoff is a positive. The #5 Cadenza at 7‑2 is the top Prime Power per Brisnet, dropping out of two Grade 3 races. The class relief should help him find the winner’s circle.
Race 11 – 6:19 EST – ALW40K – 1 Mile Dirt
This is where our ticket needs to hold strong, as we take a stand on #4 Celtic Prince at 6‑1. The top Prime Power runner made a big step forward last out, stretching to a route on dirt for the first time. His highest speed rating last out adds confidence. Keep an eye on the jockey assignment, as Irad Ortiz Jr. is recovering from an ankle injury until 8/22/26. Hoping he is getting quality physical therapy.
Race 12 – 6:52 EST – MCLM50K – 1 1/16 Miles Turf
The sequence began with a maiden race and ends with one. Our top choice is #8 Gilbane at 5‑2, who just missed by a head last time at this condition. Manny Franco stays aboard and should finish the job for new trainer Amelia Green. First‑time starter #10 Fivedollarsforsox at 5‑1 has appeal for trainer Miguel Clement. Clement wins with debut runners going over a mile at a strong 28 percent clip. Being out of Oscar Performance by Kitten’s Joy adds to the upside.
Our Ticket
3,6,7,10 / 2,4,5,7 / 1,3,5,6,7,8 / 4 / 1,8,10 = $120
We have been landing winners in our P5 sequences the past few weeks and look to put five in a row together this weekend. Use our thoughts, blend in your opinions, and build a winning ticket. There are P3 and P4 options within the sequence as well.
Be sure to tune in Saturday at 12:30, when scratches and conditions may adjust the card. We can be viewed on Sports Talk Media Network and multiple streaming apps and social channels. As always, bet smart, cheer hard, fast horses can lead to real fun, and in the end, just Let ’em Run.
