High Mist seeks to remain perfect

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - The undefeated front-runner High Mist steps up to stakes company Saturday at Woodbine in the $150,000 Fanfreluche, a six-furlong sprint for Ontario-bred 2-year-old fillies.

High Mist was bet down to 7-5 when she debuted in a six-furlong sprint in August, and her backers never had to sweat out the result. She darted out to a four-length lead on the backstretch, set fast fractions, and prevailed by 5 3/4 lengths while registering a 77 Beyer Speed Figure.

High Mist was the odds-on choice Sept. 11 in a 6 1/2-furlong allowance, and set slow fractions before coasting home on top by three lengths. Her time of 1:16.80 translated into an 82 Beyer.

Trainer Reade Baker said he has always thought highly of High Mist, who is from the first crop of the plodding Grade 3 stakes winner Olmodavor.

"The first time I breezed her, she showed talent right away," Baker recalled. "I don't know where her speed comes from."

Edamame graduated second time out in a five-furlong maiden special for Ontario-sired fillies, winning by 7 3/4 lengths under Jim McAleney, who has chosen to ride her over Stranger Things on Saturday.

Trainer Malcolm Pierce supplemented Edamame, who is running back two weeks after her maiden triumph.

"We're coming back a little quick, but there's really not much else for her for a while," said Pierce. "We figure it's better to come back soon this time, especially since it's a small field. She came out of her last race in good order, so we decided to give it a shot and try to get some black type."

Pierce said he believes Edamame doesn't have to be on the lead, like she was in her debut.

"I don't think she has to run like she did last time," said Pierce. "She's got natural speed, but she's not headstrong."

Stranger Things won her maiden second time out by seven lengths in a six-furlong event for Ontario-sired stock. She was a stalking third most recently in the restricted Victorian Queen Stakes.

San Sousi overcame traffic problems early in the stretch to rally for second in the six-furlong Victorian Queen. If a suicidal pace materializes, she could come flying late.

Deeveetee earned a 75 Beyer in her gutsy maiden victory going seven furlongs Sept. 20.

Feel Good Movie, a maiden after two starts, was also supplemented at a cost of $3,000.