Heard That makes stakes debut in Fanfreluche
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Heard That can build on her impressive career debut when she starts in a stakes race for the first time in Sunday’s $150,000 Fanfreluche Stakes for Ontario-bred 2-year-old fillies over six furlongs on Woodbine’s Tapeta.
Heard That earned a 77 Beyer Speed Figure for her gate-to-wire victory under Patrick Husbands in her first start Oct. 9. Trainer Mark Casse said Heard That had been showing positive signs in her workouts before her first race.
“We were expecting a big performance out of her,” he said. “She trains extremely well.”
But Casse said Heard That can be a tough filly to handle.
“She’s a bit difficult,” he said. “It’s what she does in the paddock and in the post parade and at the gate, those kinds of things. She sees the world in a different color. She’s a handful.”
Fanfreluche Stakes, Race 3
Key Contenders
Heard That, by Street Boss
Beyer: 77
◗ After dueling early on the lead in her first start, she put away her rival to win easily by 3 1/4 lengths. Jockey Rafael Hernandez, who has recorded seven stakes wins at Woodbine since moving here full time July 6, takes over for Husbands.
Green Freedom, by Not Bourbon
Last 3 Beyers: 52-69-50
◗ She was second in the Muskoka Stakes on Aug. 31 two starts back, a race that produced three next-out winners. Green Freedom finished second to Raglan Road, the Muskoka third-place finisher, in her most recent start Sept. 30.
◗ She’s already made six starts, one more than her four rivals combined.
Will She, by Wando
Last 2 Beyers: 48-67
◗ She’ll race on Tapeta for the first time after making her first two starts on turf.
◗ She could make life difficult for Heard That early in this race. She went to the lead in both starts, including last time out in the Grade 1 Natalma Stakes on Sept. 18.
Sassy Ombre, by Old Forester
Last 2 Beyers: 59-25
◗ She broke outwardly in her last start Sept. 23 before pulling jockey Gary Boulanger to the lead. She opened a three-length advantage at the top of the stretch and held on to win by a head.
◗ She could be another potential early-speed threat.
Miss Trinity, by Leonnatus Anteas
◗ Makes her career debut after working steadily on dirt at Fort Erie for trainer Nick Gonzalez Jr.