Sprint return for Jenny's So Great

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Jenny's So Great has run hot and cold in her four starts, all at Woodbine this season, and should be favored in Sunday's $150,000 Fanfreluche Stakes, a six-furlong dash for Ontario-foaled 2-year-old fillies.

Jenny's So Great was bet down to favoritism when she debuted July 17, but could only manage fourth in that 5 1/2-furlong maiden dash. She graduated over a tough field at six furlongs in her next appearance and was awarded a 72 Beyer Figure.

Jenny's So Great tackled males Sept. 13 in the seven-furlong Swynford Stakes, giving the heavily favored Ghost Fleet a run for his money. She wound up a neck behind that rival in second, while earning a 78 Beyer.

Most recently in the 1 1/16-mile Mazarine Stakes, Jenny's So Great tracked the early pace and made the lead on the far turn, but faded to finish seventh in the Grade 3 event.

Trainer Greg De Gannes said he's drawing a line through the Mazarine and her first start, when she acted up behind the gate.

"She trains like a horse who will handle a two-turn race, but for whatever reason, sometimes they just don't do it in the afternoon," De Gannes said. "She's a young horse, and might not be mature enough to handle it at this point, so you have to reassess your plans. At the end of the day, if she's just a sprinter, there's nothing really wrong with that."

De Gannes said he has always thought highly of Jenny's So Great, who was bred by singer David Cassidy.

"She's always acted very precocious," said De Gannes. "She's not the easiest horse to train. She's a little temperamental. I think she's a very talented filly, and as she matures, she'll only get better. I thought she gave a good effort against a top-class colt in the Swynford, and I expected the same type of effort in the Mazarine, but a lot of high-quality horses didn't show up that day."

Trainer Mike Doyle entered three of the seven horses in the field, Niagara Express, Shezadozer and Bodua.

Niagara Express graduated second time out in a seven-furlong sprint for $62,500 maidens under Chantal Sutherland, who was also aboard when she finished a flat third in a recent allowance route.

"She ran pretty good going long, but I think the cutback in distance will be way better for her," said Sutherland.