Franny Freud tunes up on turf

ELMONT, N.Y. - The connections of Franny Freud have bigger goals in mind for their New York-bred 3-year-old filly than Wednesday's $100,000 New York Stallion Stakes, but they certainly are grateful for the opportunity to run her in the race, which is scheduled for seven furlongs over Belmont's Widener turf course.

Initially, the New York Racing Association opted not to card a pair of $75,000 Stallion Stakes, scheduled for Sunday, when neither division drew more than five horses. But a late decision to make one race, open to both males and females, led to a 10-horse field being entered for Wednesday's race. The race is unlikely to go with a full field. In Te Domine, one of two other fillies entered, ran Sunday. The connections of Seattle Mission, a debut winner last August, have expressed a desire not face Franny Freud.

Franny Freud is 6 for 9 with five stakes victories, including the Grade 2 Beaumont at Keeneland on April 7. Most recently, Franny Freud won a division of the New York Stallion Stakes by 7 3/4 lengths. That race was at 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt.

Though Franny Freud has yet to race on turf, she did work a bullet five furlongs in 1:01.05 over the course on May 16.

"She worked fabulous,'' said John Terranova, who trains Franny Freud for owner Paul Pompa. "It was a sight to see.''

Terranova is hoping to use this race as a stepping-stone to the Grade 1 Prioress for 3-year-old fillies going six furlongs on dirt on July 4.

"As talented a filly as she is, she deserves a shot at a Grade 1,'' Terranova said.

This will not be the first time Franny Freud has been entered against males. In her career debut last May, Franny Freud defeated three horses -- including two males -- by seven lengths.

Make Note is the most accomplished challenger for Franny Freud. Make Note has won 3 of 6 starts, including two stakes, but has never raced on turf before. In his 3-year-old debut, Make Note finished second to the Terranova-trained General Maximus in a division of the Stallion Stakes. The final time of that race was .34 of a second slower than Franny Freud's final time for winning her division of the Stallion Stakes.

Leatherhead and Belongs to Sheila are both coming off maiden victories on the turf. Hittin the Note, Game Token, Eire's Run, and Strategic Missile complete the field.