Sheri Riddoch: How to bet the King’s Plate

The King’s Plate is one of the most anticipated races of the year from a bettor’s perspective as there are so many different angles you can go – and this year is no exception. With the favourite pegged at 7-2 in the field, the odds of others are certainly enticing and there are all kinds of questions with our thirteen participants. The longest of long shots are certainly in play and can really pump up those exotic tickets. That being said, here are a few that I have my eye on:

Top Selection #12 Sedbury’s Ghost (6-1)

Fantastic performance in The Plate Trial stepping forward with the added distance and never really allowing favourite Notorious Gangster to get too close. Really nice work August 9th travelling easy and within himself looking like he had more in the tank – if anything he looks stronger coming into the big event. Munger was quoted at the King’s Plate draw saying, “He is a very uncomplicated horse,” which bodes well for him and his adaptability with how the race shape unfolds from that outside post. His sire took the 2015 edition of the Plate, so would be quite the storyline to see his progeny follow in his footsteps a decade later – especially at these great odds if we get them.

Wildcard Pick #11 Tom’s Magic (5-1)

Son of 2015 Triple Crown winner Justify hasn’t done anything wrong in his career and deserves a pass in the G3 Transylvania which was a nightmare for him and perhaps the turf had a little more give than he likes. However, he has yet to compete over the synthetic, but his trainer noted that he has worked over similar surfaces at Turfway and Fair Hill. His Dam Dixie Chicken has produced 2018 Woodbine Oaks winner Dixie Moon, and 2017 Plate Trial 20-1 longshot winner Guy Caballero. While his turf win at Monmouth in the Tale of the Cat was impressive, the question is if he can replicate that on the different footing while going a further distance. Local jockey Rafael Hernandez gets the leg up which gives a vote of confidence as he has won this race three times in his career and will tie the history books with another victory.

Longshot Pick #9 Watsonville Red (50-1)

Improving gelding of Hard Spun ran a sneaky good race in the Plate Trial after being swung wide into the six-path entering the lane and was making up ground on the front running trio – w hen most of the competition was heading in the other direction. While he doesn’t show much early zip, he looks to be a stayer so the distance isn’t a problem but will need a little help with an honest pace. Like the competitive spirit he showed and seems to have room for improvement, with that big price will definitely include on my tickets with long shot Leo Salles in the irons. Reminds me of D’aurum in the Woodbine Oaks who ran a bang-up fourth at 49-1.

$20 Bet by @gofilly

$1 trifecta 12/3,4,10,11/3,4,9,10,11