How I'm betting the Queen's Plate

Canadian Racing Hall of Fame member Mark Casse has enjoyed so many great moments at Woodbine that I'll be betting on him having another Sunday in the C$1 million Queen's Plate, a race he won for the first time three years ago with the filly Lexie Lou.

While American fans most recognize the Casse-trained State of Honor (#7, 8-1), who was on the Triple Crown trail in Florida earlier this year and placed in the Sam F. Davis (G3), Tampa Bay Derby (G2), and Florida Derby (G1), KING AND HIS COURT (#6, 5-1) made little impression in two U.S. appearances beating a total of one horse combined in the Sam Davis and Spiral (G3). However, since joining the Casse barn last fall as a Grade 3-placed maiden winner in six starts, the son of Court Vision has proven one of the better males in his division in both restricted and open company.

King and His Court's record at Woodbine under Casse's tutelage is a strong 4-3-1-0, with victories in the Coronation Futurity, Display and Wando Stakes. He fell a half-length short to Guy Caballero, a rival he beat twice as a juvenile, in the Plate Trial, but it wasn't a race he necessarily had to win with the big one three weeks ahead. The gelding's sire and broodmare sire, Court Vision and Grand Reward, both won at nine furlongs and beyond, so the 1 1/4-mile distance of the Queen's Plate figures to be no problem.

I'll be betting King and His Court to Win, and wheeling him in on top in Exactas over Channel Maker (#1, 4-1), Guy Caballero (#2, 10-1), Holy Helena (#3, 3-1), Aurora Way (#11, 6-1), and Tiz a Slam (#12, 10-1).

My other play is a straight Double of RAINHA DA BATERIA (#4, 2-1) in the Dance Smartly (G2) with King and His Court in the Queen's Plate.

Best of luck to all, and be sure to check out the Queen's Plate betting guide.