Highwaytothemoon enhanced his reputation as one of Canada’s leading three-year-olds with a composed victory in Sunday’s $200,000 Plate Trial Stakes at Woodbine. Stepping beyond a mile for the first time, the gelding handled the nine-furlong test with confidence, producing a determined finish to secure his second consecutive stakes success and boost his prospects for next month’s King’s Plate.
Plate Trial Stakes 2026
Ridden by Rafael Hernandez, Highwaytothemoon broke smartly from post six and settled comfortably along the rail in fourth through the opening quarter-mile, which was covered in :23.33.
Casson set the early pace under pressure from Powell River as the pair reached the half-mile in :47.84, while Fire and Wine tracked the leaders in third. Highwaytothemoon remained well placed throughout, conserving ground before making his move entering the final bend.
Approaching the three-furlong marker, outsider Imyourmedicineman swept around runners with a strong challenge as the field completed six furlongs in 1:12.32, setting up an exciting finish.
Turning for home, Hernandez eased Highwaytothemoon off the rail and guided him between rivals before the gelding lengthened his stride inside the final furlong. He wore down Imyourmedicineman to score by one length in the key King’s Plate trial, with the mile recorded in 1:38.59 and the final time stopping the clock at 1:52.17.
The start of the race had been delayed after Very Special was declared a late veterinary scratching, requiring the field to be reset before the runners came under starter’s orders.
The victory highlighted Highwaytothemoon’s ability to stay the longer trip while maintaining the finishing speed that earned him success in the Queenston Stakes earlier this season. His composed racing style and smooth acceleration suggested the added distance posed little difficulty.
Owned by Centennial Farms Inc. and bred in Ontario by James Everatt, Janeane Everatt and Arika Everatt-Meeuse, Highwaytothemoon continued an impressive three-year-old campaign. The son of Ransom the Moon out of High Society Gal improved his career record to four wins, one second and one third from seven starts, including three victories from four outings in 2026.
Imyourmedicineman produced an excellent performance to finish second, while Military Time closed well to take third. Early leader and race favourite Casson completed the first four after setting the pace for much of the contest.
The result places Highwaytothemoon firmly among the leading contenders for the 167th King’s Plate, Canada’s premier race for Canadian-bred three-year-olds, which is scheduled to be run at Woodbine on 15 August.
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