Trainer John Terranova swept both ends of the New York Stallion Stakes at Belmont Park on May 2 with a pair of heavy favorites, Franny Freud and General Maximus.
Terranova saddled Franny Freud to win the $100,000 Park Avenue Division (VIDEO) and came back with General Maximus in the $100,000 Times Square Division (VIDEO).
Franny Freud, winner of the Beaumont Stakes (gr. II) in her last start at Keeneland April 7, made quick work of her five opponents in the race for 3-year-old daughters of New York stallions. With Garrett Gomez aboard, the Freud filly tracked So N So through an opening quarter in :22.55, then took over on the turn before opening up to hit the wire 7 3/4 lengths in front. Her time for the 6 1/2 furlongs was 1:16.15 over a fast track.
Owned by Paul Pompa Jr., Stephen Yarbrough and Winter Park Partners, Franny Freud has now won six of nine lifetime starts, including 2009 stakes victories in the NYSS Fifth Avenue at Belmont Park, the Lady Finger Stakes at Finger Lakes, and the Ontario Deb at Woodbine.
She returned $2.50 for a $2 win bet, earning $60,000 to boost her bankroll to $476,029.
“She’s just a special, special girl,” said Terranova, who may give her a shot in the Prioress Stakes (gr. I) at Belmont on July 4.
So N So held on for second, a nose in front of Freud's Notebook, who in turn was followed by Positive Pitch, Raffie's Rose, and Ommadon's Angel. Hook Me Up was scratched.
General Maximus, also sired by Freud, was making his first start for Terranova as well as his stake debut in the Times Square versus 3-year-olds. Ridden by Javier Castellano, General Maximus dueled with Cajun Jet through an opening half in :45.24, then opened up on his seven rivals to coast to a 3 1/4-length victory over Make Note, completing the 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:16.49.
Owned by Michael Imperio and Elizabeth Loftus, General Maximus returned $3.60 for a $2 win bet and extended his record to three wins from four starts. The winner’s purse of $60,000 more than doubled his earnings to $110,200.
“He’s just a really talented colt, and he looks like the real deal,” said Terranova of General Maximus. “From here we’ll get to know him a little but better, and see how he comes back off this.”
Following the race Imperio said he would donate $10,000 of the colt’s winnings to Anna House, Belmont Park’s day care center for the children of backstretch workers.
Following Make Note under the wire were Game Token, Hittin the Note, Cajun Jet, Ommadon's Answer, Zealous Boy, and Reading Group. Eire's Run and Regal Court were scratched.
