The Canadian Triple Crown kicks off on Saturday, August 16th, with the 13 Canadian bred horses competing over 10 furlongs on Woodbine’s synthetic Tapeta track. The favorite, according to the morning line, is Mark Cass’s Woodbine Oaks winner, No Time.
A highlight of King’s Plate Day is the Grade 1 EP Taylor Stakes, now scheduled earlier than usual in September to feature on the King’s Plate undercard. This marks its first time running on the EP Taylor Turf course at Woodbine, making it a significant event for turf enthusiasts. The EP Taylor Stakes also serves as a qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
Other notable races on the King’s Plate undercard include the Grade 2 King Edward Stakes for turf milers, the Grade 3 Bold Venture Stakes for synthetic sprinters, and exciting grass races featuring promising young horses. Meanwhile, in the U.S., Grade 1 action continues with the Alabama Stakes at Saratoga, a 10-furlong race for top three-year-old fillies, and the Grade 1 Del Mar Oaks, a turf event for three-year-old fillies by the seaside.
Lael Stables is optimistic about their chances in the EP Taylor Stakes, especially as the 1¼ mile distance suits the American challengers who recently placed second in the Grade 1 Diana Stakes. Caitlyn Hargrutt, last year’s King’s Plate winner, aims to become the first horse to capture both the Plate and the EP Taylor. Trainer Charlie Appleby will be sending out Philly Diamond Rain, a Grade 3 winner from Newcastle, as well.
In the King’s Plate, Gary Barber’s No Time is poised to become the seventh filly to win the Canadian Triple Crown’s first leg since 2007. The betting second favorite is Mark Dodson’s Homebread, with Cedberis Ghost also a notable contender.
At Saratoga, Grade 1 fillies Good Cheer and La Cara will face off for the third time in the Alabama Stakes, with the tally currently even between them. However, the race includes strong competition from other top fillies such as Margie, an impressive winner of the G3 Wonder Again, and Queen Aztecs, the March UAE Oaks winner. Kinsie Queen rounds out the field.
This story was originally reported by the Paulick Report on August 14, 2025.
Fan Take: This lineup highlights the exciting depth and international flavor of North American horse racing, especially with the Canadian Triple Crown stepping into the spotlight. For fans, these top-level turf and dirt races showcase emerging stars and set the stage for thrilling showdowns that could shape the future of the sport.
