Mary Delaney ships in for synthetic spot

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Kentucky shipper Mary Delaney, a synthetic-track specialist, should be tough racing on or near the lead in the $150,000 Hendrie Stakes on Sunday at Woodbine.

Mary Delaney launched her career in England and was sent to trainer Eddie Kenneally in the U.S. last summer. She won a first-level allowance in her second start on this side of the pond, and has won four straight Polytrack races at Turfway and Keeneland since coming up empty in a Grade 2 dirt stakes at Churchill Nov. 2.

Most recently at Keeneland, Mary Delaney earned a 97 Beyer Figure when she won the Grade 2 Madison Stakes, a race that Ginger Punch exited to win a Churchill allowance.

Kenneally said he sought out another Polytrack race for Mary Delaney, and the 6 1/2-furlong Hendrie fit the bill.

"The distance is right, and the timing is right," he said. "She's won five races on Polytrack in North America, six in total. She's adapted well to North American racing. We think she can win some nice races on the main track, but because there's a suitable opportunity for her on the Polytrack, we're going to try to avail of it."

Woodbine's Polytrack has been yielding more kickback than any other synthetic surface on the continent. Kenneally pointed out that Mary Delaney's experience over Turfway's track, which also had some kickback problems, should be to her benefit.

"She's good right now, and if she handles the track, she should run a big race," Kenneally said. "She has plenty of natural speed, but she doesn't have to be on the lead."

The strong supporting cast in the Grade 3 Hendrie is headed by Seductively and Hide and Chic, who finished one-two in the Grade 3 Whimsical Stakes at six furlongs April 15.

Seductively, victorious in the Grade 3 Selene Stakes during her 3-year-old campaign, might be at her best as a sprinter. Trainer Ian Black said he was ecstatic with the effort she put forth in her first start of the year in the Whimsical.

"I was slightly surprised that she was able to sit with those sprinters so comfortably and then kick on," Black said. "I thought it might be a little short for her."

Black said Seductively has trained forwardly heading into the Hendrie.

"Her two breezes back were both excellent," Black said. "She's in good order. Mentally, she's more relaxed this year."

Hide and Chic ran a deceptively good race in the Whimsical, finishing about two lengths behind the winner after breaking from the rail.