Woodbine: Anne’s Beauty draws off in Duchess Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Favored Anne’s Beauty collared Arlington shipper Honey Chile in late stretch before drawing clear to take the $150,400 Duchess Stakes at Woodbine on Saturday.

Anne’s Beauty ($6.20) assumed an outside position in mid-pack on the backstretch in the seven-furlong event, while Honey Chile and Elusive Pearl traded places on the lead. Anne’s Beauty commenced a wide rally at the quarter pole, and went on to prevail by two lengths in 1:22.83.

Honey Chile finished a clear second over Elusive Pearl. Delightful Mary and Trip Mom were scratched, reducing the field size to nine 3-year-old fillies.

Patrick Husbands rode the Paul Attard-trained Anne’s Beauty, who collected $90,000 for owner Robert Smithen.
“The first quarter and the first half were pretty slow, but it worked out perfect,” said Husbands. “By the time I reached the five-eighths pole, I was sitting on a lot of horse. She did everything professionally. When I got after her at the top of the lane, she kicked on.”