Trainer Josie Carroll eyes King's Plate entry for Woodbine Oaks winner Luster

Trainer Josie Carroll said she is very optimistic that Luster, the filly who won the Woodbine Oaks by 5½ lengths on July 19, will be entered in the $1 million King's Plate slated for Aug. 15 at Woodbine Racetrack. Carroll, a Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Famer who previously won the Plate in 2006, 2020 and 2024, noted that Luster emerged from the Oaks in excellent condition and that a decision will be made based on her post‑race fitness.

If Luster runs, Carroll expects Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez – who piloted the filly to victory in the Oaks – to ride her in the Plate. Carroll highlighted Luster's strong performance over the same 1 ⅛‑mile distance as the Plate and expressed confidence that the filly handled the step‑up in distance with ease. The King's Plate is the opening jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown and the premier race for three‑year‑old thoroughbreds in Canada.