If she takes to turf, Fresh Princess just might air

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Off a solid second in a stakes, Fresh Princess should be favored in her turf debut in Friday’s Woodbine headliner, a nonwinners-of-three hybrid sprint for Ontario-sired allowance types and $40,000 claimers.

Fresh Princess changed her style from front-runner to closer in her last two outings. She won an Ontario-sired allowance with ease in her penultimate start and was a charging second to Listenlindalisten here most recently in the Aug. 2 Passing Mood Stakes, which was taken off the grass. Listenlindalisten subsequently won the Eternal Search Stakes.

Owner-trainer-breeder Tony Gattellaro said Patrick Husbands rode her perfectly in the seven-furlong Passing Mood, but her inexperience may have got her beaten.

“She’s still a little bit green – a developing horse,” Gattellaro said. “He threw a cross at her, and she switched leads to engage Listenlindalisten, and I think there was slight hesitation where she lost some momentum. If she had just stayed on her off lead, I think there’s a chance she could have gotten by her. We’ve worked on a few things with her since.”

The 6 1/2-furlong feature goes as the third on an eight-race card that begins at 3:45 p.m. Eastern.

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KEY CONTENDERS

Fresh Princess, by Giant Gizmo

Last 3 Beyers: 77-77-51

◗ Even though Giant Gizmo is 0 for 59 with progeny competing on grass for the first time, Gattellero said Fresh Princess has a license to excel on the surface.

“I think that’s her calling,” Gattellaro said. “The dam is by Royal Academy. If you go through the whole female family, it’s a turf pedigree. I’ve worked her [on turf] a couple of times. Patrick seems to think she’s really good over it.”

Greek Justice, by Sky Conqueror

Last 3 Beyers: 63-73-65

◗ She was second traveling a mile in her lone turf attempt in the July 1 Ontario Damsel Stakes. She made a four-wide bid at the quarter pole before fading to fifth in the Passing Mood, finishing eight lengths behind Listenlindalisten.

Tethra’s Magic, by Tethra

Last 3 Beyers: 76-67-52

◗ After running second to Fresh Princess two back, she cleared the Ontario-sired nonwinners-of two condition going seven-eighths July 30 on the Tapeta. This is her first grass race, and she’s bred for it on the dam’s side.

The Craic, by Sidney’s Candy

Last 3 Beyers: 77-65-63

◗ She outran $20,000 nonwinners-of-two foes Aug. 5 on the Tapeta and could make an impact off the claim by trainer Norm McKnight, a high-percentage angle.