Mansetti, with a South American Flair, Pulls Off Upset in Canada’s King’s Plate

The Collected colt impressed at Woodbine under a masterful ride by Pietro Moran, carrying in his pedigree the influence of Argentine mare Australian Girl, the foundation of a maternal line that has left its mark from South America

Mansetti Now Targets the Canadian Triple Crown / WOODBINE

TORONTO, Canadá (Special for Turf Diario).- The King’s Plate wrote a memorable new chapter this past Saturday at Woodbine, as Mansetti stunned the field to claim the 166th edition of Canada’s premier classic. The race, the first leg of the local Triple Crown, carried a purse of $1 million.

Under an inspired ride from young Pietro Moran, conditioned by champion trainer Kevin Attard and wearing the silks of Al and Bill Ulwelling, the Collected colt seized his day in Toronto, defeating twelve rivals with authority and setting his sights on the remaining legs of the series.

For South American racing, the victory carried special significance: Mansetti’s maternal grandmother is Brazilian star Surfer Girl (Wild Event), herself a top-class performer in Brazil. Surfer Girl is out of Argentine mare Australian Girl (Lode), bred at Haras Santa María de Araras and exported to Brazil, where she established a maternal line that now shines in Canada’s most prestigious race—a true piece of South American blood atop North American racing.

The King’s Plate unfolded perfectly for Mansetti, who broke from post one determined to run. He soon contested the lead with Scorching (Mo Town) while stablemate Dewolf (Silent Name) settled third. After an opening quarter in 22.93, Mansetti took command and passed the 800m mark in 47.45, maintaining authority throughout.

In the stretch, Moran asked for more, and the colt responded with poise, holding off late bids from Tom’s Magic (Justify) and Notorious Gangster (Classic Empire). Mansetti crossed the wire 2 ½ lengths clear in 2:03.68 for 2000 meters.

Moran’s fist-pumping celebration reflected not just the joy of a historic victory but the emotion of a rider returning from a serious accident less than a year ago. “He relaxed perfectly, no one wanted the lead. I talked to him all the way and when I asked in the turn, he responded. Halfway down the stretch, I knew we weren’t getting caught. I couldn’t stop shouting to the wire,” said the jockey, now atop Woodbine’s standings.

For Kevin Attard, named Canada’s top trainer in 2024, it was his third King’s Plate win in four years, following Moira (Ghostzapper, 2022) and Caitlinhergrtness (Omaha Beach, 2024). “If you’d asked me months ago if this horse could be here, I would’ve laughed. But he’s matured a lot since two, settled down, and showed the talent he always had. Today he confirmed it,” Attard said.

The Ulwelling brothers enjoyed their first triumph in Canada’s most important race. Named “Mansetti” after a Minnesota pizzeria, the dark bay was purchased for just $40,000 at the 2024 OBS Spring Sale and now boasts over $500,000 in earnings with a record of 5 wins in 8 starts.

Mansetti’s next challenge is the Prince of Wales Stakes (G1), the second leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, on September 9 at Fort Erie, 1900m on dirt. The series will conclude with the Breeders’ Stakes (G1) on September 28 at Woodbine, 2400m on turf. Since Wando (Awesome Again) completed the sweep in 2003, no horse has captured the Triple Crown.

With Mansetti, the dream is alive. For South American racing, there’s an extra reason to follow him closely: every stride revives the legacy of Surfer Girl and Australian Girl, a testament that the families bred in this part of the continent continue to leave their mark at the very top of the sport.