Blonde Executive goes for four in row
ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Blonde Executive, arguably the best 2-year-old filly at Woodbine, shoots for her fourth straight victory Sunday in the $159,900 Fanfreluche Stakes, a six-furlong sprint for Canadian-breds.
Blonde Executive bucked her shins when she debuted May 24, and was given the next two months off by trainer Radlie Loney. She finished second to Silver Bird when she returned in a maiden race Aug. 2, and then graduated impressively two weeks later, beating My Vintage Port, who subsequently captured both the Muskoka and Princess Elizabeth stakes.
Blonde Executive earned her second consecutive Beyer Figure of 84 when she won a six-furlong allowance by 2 1/2 lengths Sept. 12. She was made the 2-5 favorite most recently, in the six-furlong Victorian Queen Stakes, and prevailed by six lengths under a hand ride, benefiting from a speed bias.
Loney said the Victorian Queen didn't take much out of Blonde Executive.
"She only had to work a little bit," Loney said. "She was so far in front that she actually shut herself down. She's [competitive] when she sees company, but the minute she realizes that she's by herself, she relaxes again. She loves what she does."
Loney was pleased with the way Blonde Executive drilled five furlongs in 1:01.20 under regular rider Richard Dos Ramos on Oct. 17.
"She worked very good," Loney said. "She went by herself, very easy. She's in excellent shape."
Ontheqt ran well in all three of her starts under jockey Jim McAleney. She beat future stakes winner Dream About when she won her career debut, and was second in Blonde Executive's Sept. 12 triumph. She was recently second as the heavy favorite in another six-furlong allowance.
Trainer Reade Baker said he has recently modified Ontheqt's training regimen, and is anticipating a peak race from her Sunday.
"We're not training her as hard," Baker said. "I think she's sitting on the best race of her life, and I think she has an outside chance."
Finnerty's Frolic got a 78 Beyer when she blew away $40,000 maidens Oct. 1, and was claimed by trainer John Simms on Oct. 1.
Lit de Jimmy graduated second time out Sept. 24 for trainer Paul Buttigieg. Before that she finished third in the Muskoka.