The 166th running of the historic $1 million King’s Plate Stakes Saturday at Woodbine drew an ultra-competitive field.

Thirteen Canadian-bred 3-year-olds will race 1 1/4 miles on the all-weather Tapeta Footings main track in Canada’s equivalent to the Kentucky Derby. The field includes several proven stakes winners such as Grade 3 HPIbet Marine Stakes conqueror #1 Mansetti (10-1), Coronation Futurity winner #3 Notorious Gangster (9-2), Woodbine Oaks winner #10 No Time (7-2), and Plate Trial Stakes winner #12 Sedburys Ghost (6-1).

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All four of these contenders warrant respect in the King’s Plate. In particular, Notorious Gangster is appealing. In the Plate Trial Stakes last month, he had to wait in traffic around the final turn, but rallied with determination once clear to finish second by 1 1/4 lengths to Sedburys Ghost. A clean trip while stretching out over 1 1/4 miles may allow Notorious Gangster to turn the tables.

But what if the King’s Plate is won by a horse making his first start against proven winners? #7 Runaway Again (12-1) was tons the best when debuting in a 1 1/16-mile maiden special weight at Woodbine last month, so he could be any sort of talent.

Runaway Again endured a troubled break in his debut and trailed an eight-horse field during the early stages. But he gobbled up ground around the far turn and seized command in the stretch, ultimately drawing off to dominate by 9 1/4 lengths with a 86 Brisnet Speed rating that stacks up well against the King’s Plate field.

Suppose Runaway Again breaks cleanly while stretching out over 1 1/4 miles? It’s not hard to imagine him moving forward in a big way. Sharp workouts since his debut victory drive home the possibility Runaway Again is poised for a winning run in the King’s Plate.

Since Runaway Again is 12-1 on the morning line, win and place bets should pay nicely if he finishes first or second. If you’re betting on a small budget, say $10, and want to root for a live longshot, this is the betting approach we recommend.

However, playing Runaway Again in the exacta (which requires selecting the top-two finishers in order) has the potential to pay even more. If you opt to spend more and bet the exacta, we suggest mixing and matching Runaway Again with Notorious Gangster and Mansetti.

Wagering Strategy on a $10 Budget

$5 to win on #7 Runaway Again

What to say at the betting window: Woodbine, Race 9, $5 to win on #7 Runaway Again

$5 to place on #7 Runaway Again

What to say at the betting window: Woodbine, Race 9, $5 to place on #7 Runaway Again

Wagering Strategy on a $30 Budget

$10 to win on #7 Runaway Again

What to say at the betting window: Woodbine, Race 9, $5 to win on #7 Runaway Again

$3 exacta: 7 with 1,3 (total cost: $6)

What to say at the betting window: Woodbine, Race 9, $3 exacta 7 with 1,3

$7 exacta: 1,3 with 7 (total cost: $14)

What to say at the betting window: Woodbine, Race 9, $7 exacta 1,3 with 7

Good luck, and enjoy the race!