Undefeated Wannatalkaboutme is giving Canadian fans something new to talk about, winning the $162,450 Shady Well Stakes from off the pace for her third victory in as many starts Sunday at Woodbine.The 2-year-old filly won the first two starts of her career, a $40,000 maiden claimer and the My Dear Stakes on July 2, in gate-to-wire fashion.In the 5 1/2-furlong Shady Well, contested over a main track rated as 'good,' the daughter of Bold Executive didn't show her customary early speed. Instead, she rated three lengths behind the early tussle of Arzu and Queen's College, who carved out a quarter-mile in :22.07 and a half-mile in :45.63.On the far turn, Wannatalkaboutme advanced willingly on the leaders. In the stretch, she surged alongside second favorite Queen's College and drew off strongly to a 3 1/4-length win in 1:05.52.Queen's College stayed on for second. First time starter Seductively, after an awkward start, rallied on the far turn but evened out in the stretch, finishing third.Jockey David Clark said the off-the-pace style materialized because Wannatalkaboutme didn't handle the off racetrack. "Today, she hated the racetrack and overcame it," offered Clark. "She broke okay, but she couldn't get a hold of the racetrack. She had me a little worried because she's always been on the lead so early. But she fought through it and gave her best down the lane. She kicked in all by herself."Trainer Nick Gonzalez conditions the filly, who is owned by his wife Martha and MAD Racing Stable, the same partnership that owns last year's 2-year-old champion Wholelottabourbon.
"We're very fortunate today," said Gonzalez. "She fought through the adversity and her class shined through."Wannatalkaboutme returned $3.50, $2.50, and $2.10 as the punctual favorite. Queen's College paid $3.30 and $2.20, completing an $8.50 exacta. Seductively returned $2.40, rounding out a $17.70 trifecta.Woodbine riders paid tribute to Hall of Fame conditioner J.C. (Jerry) Meyer, who passed away Friday, by wearing black armbands throughout Sunday's card.(Chart, Equibase)
