Medabuck tries to remain perfect in Fanfreluche

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Medabuck will put her unblemished record on the line Sunday at Woodbine in the $150,000 Fanfreluche Stakes, and should be favored in the six-furlong sprint for Ontario-bred 2-year-old fillies.

Medabuck debuted against Ontario-sired company Aug. 27 for trainer Terry Jordan, who has solid numbers in nearly every category, except for first-time starters. She darted out to a clear lead in that five-furlong maiden special, and kept on going to score by three lengths in 58.83 seconds, a time which earned her a 56 Beyer Figure.

Three weeks ago, Medabuck was favored in the $125,800 Victorian Queen, a six-furlong Ontario-sired stakes, and didn’t disappoint. She set uncontested fractions before holding on for a half-length win in a clocking of 1:10.16, which translated into a 68 Beyer.

Jordan said Medabuck has thrived since the Victorian Queen.

“She’s come up to the race well,” said Jordan. “She’s had no physical problems. I expect her to run her race, like last time. Hopefully, there will be no surprises in the race.”

Weekend Romance could be the main threat to Medabuck, even though she has only started once.

Weekend Romance was the 2-1 choice when she debuted Sept. 23, in a six-furlong maiden special for Ontario-sired stock. After vying for the early lead, she drew off on the turn and then coasted home on top by four lengths, in a time of 1:11.93. She was awarded a 57 Beyer.

Trainer Catherine Day Phillips said Weekend Romance had exhibited potential before her opener.

“She’d always shown a lot of class and ability,” said Day Phillips. “Putting it together in a race is another thing from showing it in the mornings. She certainly did show a lot, and we did like her all summer, so it was nice to see her put it together and run so professionally.”

Day Phillips said Weekend Romance has trained encouragingly leading up to the Fanfreluche, and she predicted that the filly doesn’t need the lead to be effective.

“In her breezes, she’s been fairly tactical,” Day Phillips explained. “She seems to settle, and then move when she’s asked to. Hopefully, she’ll do that in her races.”

Magical Merry also won her only start comfortably, and she earned a 61 Beyer in that six-furlong maiden special Oct. 3. She has since switched to trainer Mike Pino, who recently returned from a suspension.