He had to fight for it, but Highwaytothemoon (Ransom the Moon) fought off all challengers and defied his own trainer's expectations to win the Plate Trial at Woodbine.After a lengthy delay at the start, Casson (Caravaggio), 9-5 favorite, stepped out to set pace through an opening quarter of :23.33 while closely tracked by Powell River (Justify). The pair continued to control the proceedings through a half-mile in :47.84, but the closers, the eventual winner included from his spot in fourth, were inching closer as they swung through the bend after six panels in 1:12.32.Casson gave way to Highwaytothemoon in midstretch as he overtook leader from the outside while Imyourmedicineman (Shaman Ghost) loomed the pending danger in the final furlong. Fighting hard to turn back that challenger, Highwaytothemoon denied that rally to post a clear victory.The final time was 1:52.17The aforementioned delay was due to Very Special (Ghostzapper) acting up in the gate, and tossing the rider. He was announced as a vet scratch not long after, but it ended up being an extended delay with the equine ambulance needing to be brought out.An update was provided on X from Woodbine Communications, saying “Very Special was vanned off the track ahead of the Plate Trial Stakes as a precautionary measure after an incident in the starting gate. Very Special will be assessed by a veterinarian back at his barn. Jockey Romero Maragh is ok.” #6 HIGHWAYTOTHEMOON takes the $200,000 Plate Trial at @WoodbineTB under Rafael Hernandez. Dale Desruisseaux trains.Is this the winner of the 2026 King's Plate? pic.twitter.com/Q4db9jQD0i— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) July 19, 2026The post Highwaytothemoon Straight and Strong in Plate Trial Victory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.