Wonder Gadot to Make 2019 Debut at Oaklawn Park

Canadian champion 2-year-old filly Wonder Gadot will make her 4-year-old debut at Oaklawn Park March 8 in a $50,000 optional-claiming allowance race. 

"I just want her to have a good experience and try to get her back on the winning track," said the filly's trainer, Mark Casse. 

As a 3-year-old, Gary Barber's Ontario-bred daughter of Medaglia d'Oro  thrilled audiences across Canada and the United States, posting wins in the June 30 Queen's Plate Stakes at Woodbine and July 24 Prince of Wales Stakes at Fort Erie—the first two legs of the Canadian Triple Crown—as well as runner-up finishes in the Fantasy Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn and Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs. 

Sent out against males in the Runhappy Travers Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G1) at Saratoga Race Course, Wonder Gadot finished an uncharacteristic 10th. She bounced back to hit the board one start later in the Cotillion Stakes (G1) at Parx Racing. After leading for most of the way in the Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) one month later at Churchill, the filly faded and finished ninth, a performance Casse felt was in no way indicative of her talent.  

"We gave her some time off after the Breeders' Cup and gave her a little freshening at the farm," said Casse. "She's been running against the best fillies in North America and she's struggled the last couple times, so we're looking for a good effort and a confidence builder."

But the temptation to engage in a little rest and relaxation didn't last long for Wonder Gadot, whom Casse says "loves" the work and competition that comes with racing at the top level. The filly has turned in five timed works this year, the latest a handy five-furlong move Feb. 24 from the gate in 1:01 2/5 at Oaklawn.

Should all go well Friday, Casse said the April 14 Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) remains the target for Wonder Gadot. 

"That's why we sent her to Oaklawn," said Casse. "It's in the hope that a good race could put her into the Apple Blossom."