Multiple graded stakes-placed mare Bessie Abott (IRE) will return to Woodbine for her fourth consecutive start when she lines up in Sunday’s $200,000 Nassau Stakes (G2T), a key event on a quality afternoon of racing at the Canadian track.
Bessie Abott Nassau Stakes
The one-mile inner turf contest for fillies and mares aged three and above forms part of a four-stakes programme that also includes the $500,000 Woodbine Oaks Presented by Stella Artois, the $200,000 Plate Trial and the $200,000 Connaught Cup.
Bessie Abott (IRE) Nassau Stakes entry is expected to attract considerable attention as the Mark Casse-trained four-year-old looks to build on a strong campaign.
Bessie Abott (IRE), a daughter of Kuroshio and Invincible Spirit mare Supreme Spirit, arrives at the Nassau Stakes following a determined third-place finish in the Royal North (G3T) Stakes on June 27.
Ridden by Fraser Aebly, who will again take the mount on Sunday, the mare found herself boxed in during the early part of the stretch before producing a strong late run to claim third in the seven-and-a-half-furlong inner turf contest.
“We had a really nice trip up until about the quarter-pole and I hadn’t moved on her yet,” Aebly said. “I found a seam, but a few horses drifted and gave us a little bump at the head of the lane. She finished up very strong and I thought we could have been a little closer at the end.”
The effort continued a consistent run of form for Bessie Abott (IRE), who has previously finished runner-up in the 2025 Wonder Again (G3) at Saratoga. She also recorded back-to-back victories at Woodbine last year, including a seven-furlong success on the main track after a turf race was moved and a narrow win over the same distance and surface in November.
Aebly, who enjoyed a career-best season in 2025 with 94 wins and significant prize earnings, believes the mare remains a highly genuine competitor.
“She is always a very hard-trying filly, who gives you everything she’s got,” said Aebly. “She relaxed so nicely for me last time and we sat a very good trip, but it was tough luck that day. She’s in a good spot now and I’m looking forward to this weekend.”
Owned by Gary Barber and Team Valor International LLC, Bessie Abott (IRE) has recorded three wins, three seconds and one third from nine career starts, earning $188,585 in prize money.
The mare’s ability to maintain focus has been one of her biggest strengths, according to Aebly.
“When you ride a horse multiple times, you get to know them more and more,” he said. “I think the one thing that is a constant with her is that ability to be laser-focused when she’s on the track.”
Bred by Dr. Noel Cogan and Patrick Williams, Bessie Abott (IRE) is a half-sister to stakes winner Spirit and Glory (IRE). She is cared for by groom Errol Farquharson.
The mare enters Sunday’s contest in good physical condition, having completed a four-furlong workout in 46.60 seconds on July 10, the fastest of 35 works recorded at that distance that morning.
Aebly remains impressed by her professionalism both in training and competition.
“She’s lovely. She is the same as she is in the afternoons. When you look at her works, she tries very hard and gives you that effort you love to see. She’s a very classy filly whatever the time of day it is.”
The Nassau Stakes has a long history at Woodbine, with Hall of Fame trainer Roger Attfield holding the record for most wins in the race with four victories. Past multiple winners include Belle Geste, Momigi, Eternal Search and Bold Ruritana, while Baffin Bay captured the inaugural running in 1956.
With proven turf form, a reliable racing record and another favourable opportunity ahead, Bessie Abott (IRE) will look to add another notable performance to her Woodbine record in Sunday’s Nassau Stakes.
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