Stakes excitement returns to Woodbine this Sunday as two rising stars, B the King and Souper Diva, chase their next triumphs in the Frost King and South Ocean Stakes. For connections and fans alike, anticipation runs high, as both 2-year-olds have shown the maturity and talent to dominate Ontario-sired competition.
B the King Looks to Rule in Frost King
After a promising runner-up finish in his debut at the Bull Page Stakes, B the King is ready to take the next step in the $100,000 Frost King, a seven-furlong dash for Ontario-sired 2-year-old colts and geldings. Trained by Julia Carey for Lightning Bolt Stables, the Point of Entry colt impressed with his poise and professionalism in his first stakes test.
“He ran very professionally, like an older horse,” said Carey. “From day one, he’s been eager and willing. Everything we’ve asked him – the gate, his works – he’s done it well. We couldn’t be happier.”
B the King breezed four furlongs on October 5, followed by a five-furlong bullet in 1:00 a week later, showing readiness for the Frost King spotlight. Jockey Cheyenne Kerr has formed a strong rapport with the chestnut colt, praising his intelligence and willing nature.
The Frost King honors the legendary Canadian horse Frost King, whose stellar career included multiple stakes wins across North America and a historic runner-up finish in the inaugural Japan Cup.
Frost King Field (Race 9)
1 – Reload Raleigh – Ryan Munger – Barb Minshall
2 – Imyourmedicineman – Rafael Hernandez – Harold Ladouceur
3 – Souper Sporty – Fraser Aebly – Mike De Paulo
4 – Silver Is Best – David Moran – Bill Tharrenos
5 – Big Bold and First – Jose Campos – Bill Tharrenos
6 – Auntie’s Bambino – Juan Crawford – Cory Machesney
7 – B the King – Pietro Moran – Julia Carey
8 – Streetshavenoname (S) – Eswan Flores – Devon Gittens
9 – Bank On Big Winner – Leo Salles – Bill Tharrenos
Souper Diva Chases Third Straight Stakes in South Ocean
Meanwhile, the filly division turns its eyes to Souper Diva, who seeks her third consecutive stakes triumph in the $100,000 South Ocean. Trained by Steven Chircop for 6 Deep Stable, the Souper Speedy filly has dazzled with victories in the Muskoka and Victorian Queen Stakes, combining speed and tenacity in both outings.
“She’s really in a zone now,” Chircop said. “Since starting to win, she’s gotten tougher and more aggressive. She knows her job, and she’s performing beautifully.”
Bred by Northern Dawn Stables and purchased for $23,000 at the 2024 CTHS Ontario Premier Yearling Sale, Souper Diva has earned $159,804 from five starts, posting a flawless 3-0-0 record in her current streak.
South Ocean herself was a top Canadian filly, capturing the 1969 Yearling Sales Stakes and the 1970 Canadian Oaks, defeating Hall of Famer Fanfreluche. Her legacy lives on in the stakes named in her honor.
South Ocean Field (Race 8)
1 – Sipping History – Pietro Moran – Jamie Begg
2 – Zabarta – Desean Bynoe – Bill Tharrenos
3 – Morerita – Fraser Aebly – Josie Carroll
4 – Souper Diva – Jose Campos – Steven Chircop
5 – Cayenne Kiss – Leo Salles – Bill Tharrenos
6 – Pageant Queen – Rafael Hernandez – Jamie Begg
7 – Splash of Bourbon – Ryan Munger – Sid Attard
8 – Hot Stuff Baby – Jeffrey Alderson – Bill Tharrenos
Stakes Glory on the Horizon
With B the King and Souper Diva both poised for high-stakes success, Woodbine racegoers can expect a thrilling Sunday, blending speed, heart, and the next chapter in Ontario-sired racing history.
Read more Ontario racing stories at RaceBuzz.
