Jolie Olimpica Wins Nassau in Woodbine Debut
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Photo: Michael Burns
Jolie Olimpica fends off Abscond to win the Nassau Stakes at Woodbine
Fox Hill Farm's Jolie Olimpica bested a field of a dozen distaffers to take the CA$177,300 Nassau Stakes (G2T) July 24 at Woodbine, her first race since relocating from Southern California.
The 5-year-old Drosselmeyer mare, previously trained by Richard Mandella, is now under the care of Canadian Hall of Famer Josie Carroll. The move was in part for the opportunity to race her on Lasix. The diuretic, used to control respiratory bleeding, is still permitted for most races in Canada but is prohibited in open stakes races in California and in some other jurisdictions amid a growing phase-out of race-day medications.
Carroll conditioner noted Jolie Olimpica has been ready to run for a long time with Woodbine's seasoned delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions and opted for the Nassau's one-turn mile to allow her to relax better in the race and make an easier lead.
"What an honor to have these silks," said Carroll in reference to the white and red colors representing Fox Hill and its late founder Rick Porter. "It was wonderful that Mr. Porter sent this horse here and that his family left her with me with his passing. I'm delighted that she won in his honor in one of the big choices that he made. He's made such great choices and had such great horses over the years that I hope we can carry on his tradition."
Ridden by Luis Contreras in the mile turf event for older fillies and mares, Jolie Olimpica stalked the pacesetter Honey Cake while racing outside of 2020 Nassau runner-up Another Time through fractions of :23.94, :47.63, and 1:10.96. She rallied three-wide on the turn and pulled ahead down the lane en route to victory in 1:34.83 on a firm course.
Jolie Olimpica paid $5.30 to win as the 8-5 favorite as she finished three-quarters of a length ahead of 7-2 second choice Abscond , who closed strongly from the back. Our Secret Agent finished another 2 1/2 lengths back to round out the top three.
"She was so nice and great the whole way," Contreras said of the winner. "I was confident every single step of the way and turning for home, it felt like she was just breaking from the gate again."
The multiple graded stakes winner increased her earnings to $457,089 from a 6-3-1 record in 10 starts.
Jolie Olimpica was bred in Brazil by Stud T N T out of the group 1-placed Brazilian mare Jolie Celina , a daughter of Trempolino . The dam has produced seven foals, and six winners from as many to race. Among her progeny are Brazilian group 2 winner Domenica and Argentinian group 1-placed Rock in Bage .
Before headed to North America, Jolie Olimpica won the Grande Premio Jockey Club de Brasileiro (G1) in 2019 for former owner Haras Regina and was named Brazilian Horse of the Year.