Notorious Gangster Captures Queenston Stakes, Eyes King’s Plate

June 8, 2025 – Notorious Gangster delivered a powerful performance to win the $125,000 Queenston Stakes at Woodbine, positioning himself as a major player on the road to the $1 million King’s Plate on August 16.

Michael Burns Photo

The Josie Carroll-trained colt tracked the early leaders through solid fractions before launching a well-timed rally in the stretch. Splitting rivals with ease, he surged to the front in the final strides to score a half-length victory over Regal Guest, stopping the clock in 1:23.36 for seven furlongs. Dewolf finished a distant third.

This marks the second stakes win for Notorious Gangster, who previously captured the Coronation Futurity as a 2-year-old. He came into the Queenston off a runner-up finish in the Woodstock Stakes and continues to show steady progression with each start.

Bred and owned by Mark Dodson, the son of Classic Empire now looks ahead to the 1¼-mile King’s Plate, with connections confident in his ability to handle the added distance.

With his latest victory, Notorious Gangster has stamped himself as one of the top Canadian-foaled 3-year-olds to watch this season.