Finn's Jewel looks to continue winning ways in Carotene

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – The lightly raced Finn’s Jewel will look to build off of her maiden victory when she makes her stakes debut in Monday’s $150,000 Carotene Stakes for Canadian-bred 3-year old fillies at Woodbine.

Finn’s Jewel’s Beyer Speed Figure improved significantly when she debuted on turf in an Aug. 24 maiden race here after having her three prior starts moved off of the grass. She earned a 79 Beyer Speed Figure in winning the 1 1/16-mile turf route while making her first start since a February maiden race at Fair Grounds in New Orleans.

“I was quite confident in her,” said trainer Malcolm Pierce. “She had trained really well into the race. She always acted like she’s a pretty nice filly. She got hurt in New Orleans. It was something minor, and she just needed some time off.”

With Finn’s Jewel’s affinity for the turf, Pierce may have a decision to make if rain forecasted for the Toronto area Monday afternoon is severe enough to force the Carotene off of the grass.

“Turf is very good for her,” he said. “I’m not sure what we’re going to do on Monday if the rain comes early. She trains OK on the Poly, but she’s much better on the turf. There aren’t many more chances against straight 3-year-old Canadian-bred fillies. I might take a shot on the Poly if they had to take it off, but I’m hoping for fair weather through until Monday night, anyway.”

Key contenders

Finn’s Jewel (Last 3 Beyers: 79-54-59)

DRF FORMULATOR FACT: Pierce has an 18 percent strike rate in non-graded stakes on the Woodbine turf course over the past three years with a return on investment of $1.78.

Final Redemption (Last 3 Beyers: 76-83-76)

Final Redemption set a slow pace Sept. 13 in the Grade 3 Pucker Up Stakes at Arlington but weakened in the late going to be fourth.

The class drop to face Canadian-breds makes her a major player.

Zazinga (Last 3 Beyers: 84-74-72)

Zazinga has improved in her last three starts since switching over to the grass, culminating in a front-running 4 1/2-length score Sept. 27 in the La Prevoyante Stakes.

Regal Conqueror (Last 3 Beyers: 75-70-82)

Regal Conqueror woke up when making her first start on the grass, winning the Ontario Damsel Stakes on July 19.

She comes off a second to Zazinga in the La Prevoyante.