Holy Helena impresses in winning The Very One

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Benefitting from a perfect trip under Irad Ortiz Jr. while reaffirming her class and versatility, Holy Helena quickly reeled in Daring Duchess for a clear-cut victory Saturday in the 30th running of the Grade 3, $150,000 The Very One at Gulfstream Park.

“Gorgeous,” is how winning trainer Jimmy Jerkens described the ride Ortiz gave Holy Helena in her 1 3/4-length triumph in the 1 3/16-mile turf race. “Irad has been riding so incredible.”

The training job wasn’t so bad either. Already a winner over dirt and synthetics prior to this year, Holy Helena now has started her 4-year-old season with two victories in as many tries since moving to turf.

“I think she’s good at all of them,” said Mike Doyle, racing manager for the filly’s owner and breeder, the Stronach Stables of Frank Stronach.

Daring Duchess, the 6-5 favorite in a field of seven fillies and mares, cut out an easy pace when left alone on the lead, but Ortiz always had her in his sights when saving ground and loping along just a few lengths back. Approaching the quarter pole, Ortiz asked Holy Helena for her best, and the filly deftly angled out to prove best down the stretch. She paid $9.40 as the second choice after finishing in 1:54.67 over firm turf. She earned a 92 Beyer Speed Figure.

Daring Duchess was another 1 1/2 lengths before Palinodie, with Empressof the Nile another three-quarters of a length back in fourth.

Although she won Canada’s premier race last July, the Queen’s Plate, none of the four wins from seven prior starts for Holy Helena had been in a graded event. Her Saturday victory was worth $91,140 and lifted her career bankroll to $889,133.

Doyle said a variety of spots are open to Holy Helena, an Ontario-bred daughter of Ghostzapper. “I’m sure we can find something,” he said.

The $2 exacta (4-3) paid $25.40, the $1 trifecta (4-3-1) returned $72.10, and the 10-cent superfecta (4-3-1-5) was worth $26.56.