Fast and Foxy gunning for repeat in Bear Fan

Fast and Foxy is blessed with keen speed. There’s no strategy where she’s concerned other than throwing down the gauntlet and saying, “Come and catch me.”

It worked in last year’s $75,000 Bear Fan, and that’s how she’ll defend her title in the six-furlong stakes race Saturday at Golden Gate Fields. She hasn’t won since capturing the Camilla Urso here in March, but she has hit the board in every start against her own sex since then.

Trainer Holly Evans has given the 7-year-old Thisnearlywasmine mare a freshener since her most recent start Oct. 21. She ran fourth that day against a tougher field than the one she meets Saturday and was moved up to third when winner Alliford Bay was disqualified for bothering her in the stretch.

Evans doesn’t mind giving her speedster time between starts and believes she has her geared up for a big effort. Fast and Foxy has worked steadily since her last start, including a five-furlong bullet work and two solid six-furlong drills in her most recent works.

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Though Fast and Foxy, who has scored all 15 of her victories here, looms as the one to catch, she’ll need her “A” game. Spring Heat, who has four wins and a second in her past five starts, also likes the lead and is quick. But she’s drawn inside Fast and Foxy and hasn’t been challenged by a runner with her speed.

Cuddle Alert, third in the Grade 3 L.A. Woman two races back, comes north seeking her first stakes win since capturing the Spring Fever at Santa Anita in March. She’ll be rooting for an early pace duel.

Local rivals Princess Ashlyn and Deb’s Wildcard could provide value, although Princess Ashlyn developed minor foot discomfort Wednesday and might scratch.

Bear Fan, race 7

Key Contenders

Fast and Foxy, by Thisnearlywasmine
Last 3 Beyers: 76-65-72

◗ Defending champ has one way to go, but she’s gone wire to wire in Golden Gate Fields’s past two sprint stakes for females.

◗ Like the two six-furlong drills to wind up preparations after a brief freshener.

◗ Jockey Catalino Martinez has enjoyed good success with her.

Cuddle Alert, by Bedford Falls
Last 3 Beyers: 74-88-79

◗ She’s rooting for someone to challenge Fast and Foxy early.

◗ Has a stakes win at the distance and a third in a graded sprint.

◗ Working nicely since disappointing last time.

Deb’s Wildcard, by Desert Code
Last 3 Beyers: 72-68-81

◗ Did outfinish the Fast and Foxy two back at Pleasanton.

◗ Can get a stalking trip from the outside.

◗ Will add value at the bottom of exotics.