A two-time (2001 and 2002) Sovereign Award winner as Canada’s outstanding apprentice jockey, Chantal Sutherland, in 2011, became the first female jockey to win the Santa Anita Handicap, in the 74th edition of the historic race, with Game On Dude and followed up aboard the same horse with a runner-up finish in the Hollywood Gold Cup in July and victory in the Goodwood in October at Santa Anita. She also finished second with Game On Dude in the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Classic.
In all, Sutherland has won nearly 1,250 career races, including 89 stakes triumphs.
The multiple graded stakes-winning jockey shares her top picks for Sunday’s 164th running of The King’s Plate.
Chantal’s King’s Plate Picks
This is an outstanding betting race, a wide-open affair with no shortage of top contenders.
It was very difficult trying to narrow down my picks, but here are three horses I believe can win it all.
Every one of my picks, however, come with a “but…”
Kalik, ridden by Kazushi Kimura and trained by Chad Brown, is an exceptional speed horse and might be able to dictate the pace from the outset. The horse has never raced on the Tapeta, so that is obviously a question mark. The horse has shown plenty of talent and is one that should be taken seriously.
Another horse I really like is Touch’n Ride. This is a great-looking, athletic, well-mannered horse who has shown a lot of upside in just two races. It’s a big step up for this guy, but I think he’s going to have a great future. Having just two starts is a concern, but he certainly looks the part and has the ability to make some noise in the Plate.
The other horse I have my eye on is Kaukokaipuu, trained by Ted Holder. This horse is as consistent as they come, and I don’t think he’ll have an issue with the distance. The only thing that concerns me a little bit was the :46 breeze on August 14. That’s a little fast, in my opinion, heading into the Plate, but I really think this horse has a big chance.
I also like the two fillies, Wickenheiser and Elysian Field, as well as Stanley House, but my suggestion for a Plate ticket is a triactor box of Kalik, Touch‘n Ride and Kaukokaipuu.
Good luck on your tickets and safe travels for all the horses and riders.
May the best horse win.
Chantal Sutherland
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