King’s Plate S. | Woodbine, Race 9 | Saturday, August 16, 2025
Purse: $1,000,000 | Distance: 1¼ Miles | Surface: Tapeta (All-Weather)
Post Time: 5:34 p.m. ET
King’s Plate Picks
- Sedburys Ghost – Plate Trial winner peaking at the right moment
- No Time – Oaks-winning filly with tactical speed
- Notorious Gangster – Reliable closer primed for a big run
- Tom’s Magic – U.S. invader with strong form, must handle the surface
King’s Plate Longshots
Mansetti, Scorching, Runaway Again
King’s Plate Analysis
The 2025 King’s Plate has drawn a competitive field of 13 Canadian-bred three-year-olds, featuring the Plate Trial winner, a Woodbine Oaks-winning filly, an American stakes shipper, and multiple local prep stars. None of the entrants has raced beyond 11/8-miles, making stamina a key question.
Sedburys Ghost enters at the peak of his powers. His decisive victory in the Plate Trial was the performance of a colt coming into his own at the perfect time. By 2015 Plate champion Shaman Ghost, he’s bred to thrive over classic distances, and his steady progression since stretching out has been impressive. Trainer Barbara Minshall has him razor-sharp, and Ryan Munger retains the mount after giving him a perfectly timed ride in the Trial. The long Woodbine stretch should play to his late kick, and if he duplicates or improves upon his Trial effort, he’s the horse they’ll all have to beat.
No Time, the Woodbine Oaks winner, is a high-class filly with enough tactical speed to control her own destiny. She dominated her peers in the Oaks and has handled the Tapeta with ease. Fillies have enjoyed success in this race in recent years, and her connections—trainer Mark Casse, owner Gary Barber, and jockey John Velazquez—are proven Plate winners. From post 10, she’s well-drawn to stalk or set the pace, but she may have to fend off a more seasoned rival in Sedburys Ghost in the final furlong.
Notorious Gangster is a model of consistency for trainer Josie Carroll. He closed strongly to be second in the Plate Trial and owns multiple stakes wins over this surface. A deep closer, he’ll need a fair pace to maximize his late charge, but his experience at this track and proven class make him a live threat for a big share—and possibly more if the top pair falter.
Tom’s Magic adds international intrigue. The American-based colt has performed well on turf and now tries Tapeta for the first time. His pedigree suggests the switch won’t be an issue, and he gets top local rider Rafael Hernandez. If he takes to the surface, he could be a dangerous late presence.
Mansetti is a Grade 3 winner who may offer value. Trainer Kevin Attard has a strong Plate record, and this colt’s tactical style could keep him in the mix.
Scorching is a pace factor who could stick around for a share if he can ration his speed.
Runaway Again is a longshot closer who would love to see a strong early pace. Though he only just broke his maiden, he showed he could settle early and make one run. His pedigree leans toward stamina, suggesting the 1¼-miles won’t be an obstacle, and he could be passing tired horses late. If the leaders overdo it in the opening half, Runaway Again has the style to pick off enough rivals for a minor award at a big price.
The remainder of the field, Faber, Dewolf, Ashley’s Archer, Mythical Man, William T, and Watsonville Red, will need significant improvement to upset the top choices, but some could sneak into the lower exotics with the right trip.
Pace Scenario: The early tempo may be moderate, with Mansetti, No Time, Scorching, and Ashley’s Archer likely to show speed. A softer pace would favor No Time, while an honest tempo would suit Sedburys Ghost, Notorious Gangster, and other closers like Runaway Again. Tactics will be crucial in determining whether the speed holds or the closers dominate.
Betting Strategy
We’ll play Sedburys Ghost to win and place, expecting him to build on his Plate Trial form. For exactas, key Sedburys Ghost over No Time, Notorious Gangster, and Tom’s Magic, reversing for smaller coverage. For trifectas, use Sedburys Ghost in the top slot, with No Time and Notorious Gangster in second, and spread in third with Tom’s Magic, Mansetti, Scorching, and Runaway Again. A similar structure can be applied to the superfecta, adding one or two additional longshots underneath for value.
Ghost ‘em baby!
