Latest Update: Official E.P. Taylor Stakes 2025 Odds, Horses, Post Positions, Betting Picks

The 2025 E.P. Taylor Stakes (G1) headlines King’s Plate Day at Woodbine Racetrack on Saturday, August 16, offering a CAN $750,000 purse and a coveted “Win and You’re In” berth to the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.

This year’s field features seven top-class fillies and mares, led by She Feels Pretty at 3-5, with the international raider Diamond Rain at 6-1 and local standout Ready for Shirl at 7-2. With no confirmed front-runner, the early fractions may be moderate, a perfect setup for the powerful closers in this lineup.

The Favorite: She Feels Pretty (3-5)

Post Position: 4
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
Jockey: John Velazquez
Last Race: 2nd in Diana Stakes (G1)

She Feels Pretty comes in as the clear-cut favorite thanks to her multiple Grade 1 wins and lethal late kick. Her running style fits Woodbine’s expansive turf course perfectly, and she’s proven over this distance. Though her odds offer little value for win bettors, she’s the horse most handicappers see crossing the wire first.

Reasons to bet on She Feels Pretty:

• Proven Grade 1 form against elite company
• Perfect closing style for a likely race setup
• Top jockey/trainer combination

Second Tier of Talent: Diamond Rain (6-1) and Ready for Shirl (7-2)

Diamond Rain – International Dark Horse

Post Position: 3
Trainer: Charlie Appleby
Jockey: William Buick
Last Race: Winner, Group-level turf event (Europe)

Representing the powerhouse Godolphin operation, Diamond Rain arrives with top-class European form and one of the best turf jockeys in the world. She’s adaptable in running style and could be the one to pounce if the favorite misfires.

Why Diamond Rain stands out:

• Elite turf pedigree and global experience
• Trained by a master of shipping horses successfully to North America
• Offers strong value in exotics

Ready for Shirl – Local Grade 2 Winner

Post Position: 7
Trainer: Roger Attfield
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Last Race: Winner, Canadian Stakes (G2)

Fresh off a decisive Grade 2 score over this same turf, Ready for Shirl is in peak form. Her home-track experience and proven late-closing ability make her a logical inclusion in exactas and trifectas.

Why include Ready for Shirl:

• Current form is excellent
• Proven at Woodbine’s turf layout
• Connections know how to win big races here

Underrated But Dangerous: Other Contenders in the Field

• Caitlinhergrtness (8-1) – Consistent graded performer; could sneak into exotics.
• Venencia (12-1) – Lightly raced with upside; a longshot with turf potential.
• Literate (20-1) – Needs to improve to contend; better suited for minor awards.
• Hurricane Clair (20-1) – Would need a career-best effort to threaten here.

2025 E.P. Taylor Stakes Post Positions, Contenders and Odds

US Racing Team

The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.