Ontheqt No Secret in Fanfreluche Romp

(from Woodbine report)
The only thing in front of Ontheqt in Sunday's $159,900 Fanfreluche Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Woodbine was the finish line.

The daughter of Mazel Trick, with Jim McAleney in the irons, led every step of the way over a sloppy Toronto oval main strip, making her first added-money appearance a memorable one for trainer and co-owner Reade Baker.

Ontheqt entered the event for fillies foaled in Canada off back-to-back runner-up efforts, including a second-place showing to Sweet Problem on Oct. 10 at Woodbine.

Owned by Janis Maine and Baker, the Ontario bred, who won her career bow by 2 ½ lengths on Aug. 8, delivered her top effort in the six-furlong sprint.

Favorite Blonde Executive, who came into the Fanfreluche with three consecutive victories, got off to a poor beginning, opening the doors for McAleney and his mount to assume command.

When Blonde Executive began to close the gap on Ontheqt, McAleney, who picked up his sixth stakes triumph in 2003, asked his filly for her best run around the turn. The dark bay responded, crossing the wire three lengths in front of Finnerty's Frolic.

"We had a wonderful trip, my filly was sharp today," said McAleney. "She broke really well and it left us a nice comfortable lead. She's a very, very honest filly. She wants to win."

The time of the race was 1:11.92.

It was the second Fanfreluche crown for McAleney (he won with Illeria in 1989) and third for Baker, who captured the 1996 edition with Honoured One and in 2000, with Ruby Shoes.

Ontheqt earned $95,940 for the win, pushing her career earnings to $156,940.

She returned $13.10, $4.20, $2.70 across the board, combining with Finnerty's Frolic ($4.70, $2.60) for a $53.40 exacta. Blonde Executive ($2.20) finished third in the five-horse field.

(Chart, Equibase)