Sunday Finery secured her first graded stakes victory at Woodbine Racetrack on Sunday, November 1, with an impressive performance in the Grade 3 Mazarine Stakes. The James Begg-trained two-year-old filly dominated the $175,000 contest over 1 1/16 miles on the main track, winning by 6¾ lengths and extending her winning run to two consecutive route races.
Ridden by Sahin Civaci for the second consecutive start, Sunday Finery broke smoothly from post position four in a five-horse field. Civaci settled the daughter of Mystic Guide towards the rear during the early stages and guided her along the rail as the runners approached the clubhouse turn.
Mrs D established the early lead, with Mo Cookie tracking closely in second. Epic Affair occupied third, while Homeawayfromhome and Sunday Finery completed the running order. The field covered the opening two furlongs in :23.66.
Mrs D continued to lead along the backstretch under pressure from Mo Cookie, with the opening half-mile completed in :48.36. Approaching the far turn, Mrs D moved clear of her rival, while Epic Affair improved her position and launched a challenge for the lead.
Meanwhile, Sunday Finery began making progress and moved into third place as the field entered the home straight. Civaci then guided the filly along the inside, where she produced a powerful finishing effort beyond the eighth pole. She quickly separated herself from her rivals and crossed the finish line 6¾ lengths clear in a final time of 1:44.29.
Sunday Finery Mazarine Stakes Victory Marked First Graded Success
The victory gave Sunday Finery her first black-type success and confirmed her ability over longer distances. Bred in Ontario by Bernard and Karen McCormack, she entered the Mazarine Stakes with valuable experience over the Woodbine all-weather surface.
Her previous route performance came on September 26, when she secured an impressive 13½-length maiden victory. She was also the only filly in the Mazarine field with previous two-turn experience on the Woodbine all-weather track.
Trainer James Begg explained that the stable had always believed longer distances would suit Sunday Finery because of her breeding, physical development and training performances.
Begg also identified the 1 1/16-mile Princess Elizabeth Stakes, scheduled for November 28, as a possible next assignment, provided the filly recovered well from her latest effort. The race had already formed part of the stable’s plans for the end of the season.
Owned by Walmac Farm, Jeff Begg, Annabel Begg, Eric Long and Bart Siegel, Sunday Finery improved her career record to two wins, one second and one third from five starts. She also maintained her unbeaten record at the 1 1/16-mile distance.
Mrs D finished second behind the winner, while Epic Affair secured third place. Mo Cookie and Homeawayfromhome completed the order of finish.
Sunday Finery claimed her first graded stakes victory with an impressive win in the Grade 3 Mazarine Stakes at Woodbine. The James Begg-trained filly improved her record to two wins from five starts and remained unbeaten over 1 1/16 miles. The Princess Elizabeth Stakes emerged as a possible next target on November 28.
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