Fast Scene First Black-Type Winner for Fast Anna

Fresh off a successful career debut in mid-June at Woodbine, 2-year-old Fast Scene returned to the Toronto Tapeta July 6 and delivered as the even-money favorite in the CA$104,400 (US$79,940) My Dear Stakes over 5 1/2 furlongs.

The daughter of Fast Anna  is the first black-type winner for her sire, who stands at Three Chimneys Farm.

Despite being a step slow at the start, Fast Scene emerged between Copper Gem and Bayerly Seen to take the lead through a :21.80 opening quarter and never looked back. She reached the half-mile mark in :45.62 and hit the top of the stretch with an insurmountable advantage. First-time starter Justleaveitalone was last out of the gate but improved position along the rail before rallying three wide turning for home to overtake Copper Gem for runner-up honors. That filly finished four lengths behind the winner, who stopped the clock in 1:05.15.

"She was looking at the other horse next to her, but as soon as she put her feet on the ground, she just picked it up," said winning jockey Rafael Hernandez. "She was awesome, unbelievable today."

Owned by Blazing Meadows Farm and breeder Three Chimneys Farm, the Kentucky-bred is the first stakes winner out of the Empire Maker  mare Scenic Drive. After prepping for her Woodbine debut with works at Presque Isle Downs for trainer Timothy Hamm, Fast Scene is now 2-for-2 to start her career.

"We break a lot of horses there in Ocala (Fla.), and we put them on a program. We have a lot of babies there, but she showed a lot of talent right from the get-go," said assistant trainer Scooter Davis.

"Scott Spieth worked her at Presque Isle, and the first thing he said was, 'This filly has a good mind on her.' She's fast, but we thought even if she wasn't on the lead, she could rate and go on. She's got a lot of ability, for sure," he said, adding, "Hopefully, we'll come back here. She seems to like it."