Wyomia made her first added-money appearance a memorable one, taking Saturday’s Grade 3, $228,000 Mazarine Stakes at Woodbine.
Sent off at 7-2, the Dan Vella trainee led every step of the way, easily fending off her rivals to secure the milestone victory by 2 ¾ lengths over mutuel favourite and previously unbeaten Delightful Mary. Poof Too finish third, while Anne’s Beauty was scratched at the gate.
In the Kentucky-bred’s third career start, Wyomia traveled 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.92, under Emile Ramsammy. The daughter of Vindication, who came into the race off a 5 ¼-length maiden-breaking score over the Woodbine Polytrack on September 19, took the five-horse field through opening splits of :24.10 and :48.28.
Aboard the filly for the third time, Ramsammy kept his charge relaxed, before asking for her best around the final turn.
Owned by Beverly Anderson and Ed Seltzer, Wyomia launched her career in a seven-furlong turf race at Woodbine, finishing fifth to New Normal on August 28.
“She probably handles both surfaces very well,” said Vella, who saddled Knights Templar to victory in the 2005 Mazarine. “Her first start, she just needed a race. She was looking around. She’s showed her class since then.”
The victory could see Wyomia contest the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies in Kentucky next month. “I still believe there was a little more in the tank,” offered Vella. “I think she was playing at the end. She’s a really good filly.
“That’s (Breeders’ Cup) a little too far ahead for me to think about right now. We really haven’t made any plans yet.”
Wyomia paid $9.40, $3.10 and $2.10, combining with Delightful Mary ($2.40, $2.10) for a $19 exactor. Poof Too ($2.30) completed a $36.70 triactor.
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