One of 1/ST BET and Xpressbet’s most popular promotions is back for one of the biggest days on the racing calendar in Canada. The $1M King’s Plate headlines an outstanding card at Woodbine Racetrack and we are celebrating by offering up a $3,000 Exacta-Thon! The goal is to connect on at least five $2 exactas over the course of the massive 13-race card. Those who do so successfully will split $1500. An additional $1500 will be rewarded to the customer that hits the most total exactas. As always, check out the promotional landing page for full details. Here is how I will approach three of the day’s biggest races in the Exacta-Thon.

Race 7: E.P. Taylor (G1)

The lone Grade 1 on the slate goes as Race 7 and features the well accomplished #4 She Feels Pretty. The Karakontie filly has done little wrong through 11 starts, but did get beat a head at odds-on last out in the Diana (G1). It is difficult to hold that effort against her over the good going since she had rattled four consecutive graded stakes wins prior to the narrow loss. She should get the trip she wants just off the early pacesetters in the clear. The fact the pace is unlikely to be quick benefits the heavy chalk. I have no interest in trying to beat She Feels Pretty, but instead hope to find a touch of value underneath with #5 Caitlinhergrtness. The daughter of Omaha Beach has clearly been better thus far over the all-weather, but has run well over the grass as well. She finished third in the QEII Cup (G1) to She Feels Pretty last fall and attracts one of the best in the game in Flavien Prat. Hopefully she can set a moderate early tempo and stick around late for trainer Kevin Attard.

Play: Exacta 4-5

Race 9: King’s Plate

The $1M featured event drew a big field with several in with serious chances. I expect #3 Notorious Gangster to get the best trip. The Classic Empire colt let #12 Sedburys Ghost get the jump in the Plate Trial when he was shuffled back slightly midway through the running. He draws along the inside for a barn that clearly knows how to win big races at Woodbine. Hopefully, jockey Fraser Aebly works out a dream run and a trip to the winner’s circle aboard the Mark Dodson homebred. I will use a few underneath my top choice, including long shot #8 Dewolf. He has just 2 wins, but has been consistent. The presence of Flavien Prat and the 30-1 ML price make giving this Silent Name colt a second look underneath.

Play: Exacta Wheel 3 with 8+10+12

Race 10: King Edward (G2)

The final graded stake of the day looks like #3 Cruden Bay’s race to lose. The son of Big Screen came off an 11-month layoff at the age of 7 to win going away going at seven-furlongs in the Connaught Cup (G2). He lacks early speed, but should get an honest pace to chase. I expect him to make it two wins in a row to kick off his 2025 campaign. #5 Dresden Row is the likeliest to spring the upset or finish out the exacta, but will also take a good deal of money. I will turn instead to #1 Piper’s Factor underneath. The 4YO colt draws favorably along the rail and stretches back out to two-turns after not finding a prominent spot early in the aforementioned Connaught Cup. Expect him to be into the race much earlier under jockey Patrick Husbands. Hopefully, this allows him to stick around late at a playable 8-1-morning line offering.

Play: Exacta 3-1