Filly Nashinda Toys With My Dear Field

Augustin Stable's Nashinda toyed with her four rivals in the $187,125 My Dear Stakes at Woodbine Saturday, sailing away to a five-length tally in the five-furlong feature.

With David Clark simply along for the ride, the 2-year-old daughter of Silver Deputy, a full sister to 1998 Queen's Plate winner Archers Bay, was hustled to the front at the start. After a brief battle with Molly's Gone, it was sayonara for the Mac Benson trainee.

Bet down to 1-5 after the field was reduced by the scratches of the Mark Casse-trained duo of Maple Syrple and Solar Sail, she was clocked in :58.12. Mrs. Mistofelees, who was runner-up to Nashinda in a maiden race a month ago, once again settled for the place award, while Molly's Gone hung on for third, another five lengths in arrears.

Nashinda had debuted in scintillating fashion May 17, taking a 4 1/2 furlong maiden dash by more than three lengths in :51 4/5.

"It was just perfect," said Clark, who has been aboard for both victories. "She takes a quarter-mile to get her legs together and as soon as she hit the turn she was on her way. After that, it was just a matter of steering her to the finish line. She's been all on her own so far. I haven't really asked her at all."

For the win, Ontario-bred Nashinda picked up a purse of $112,275 to nudge her bankroll to almost $150,000 for her owner and breeder George Strawbridge.

She paid $2.50, 2.10 and $2.10, combining with Mrs. Mistofelees ($3.30, $2.50) for a $7.40 (2-6) exacta. Molly's Gone ($3.60) completed a $48.10 trifecta payout.

(Chart, Equibase)