Artie Schiller’s Anne’s Beauty won her second consecutive stakes at Woodbine on Aug. 27, taking the $152,805 Ontario Colleen S. (G3) with a stalking trip and a perfect ride from Phil Husbands. The 3-year-old filly notched a two-length score in the seven furlong Duchess S. over Woodbine’s Polytrack on July 30.
Second-crop sire Artie Schiller has had another very good year at stud. After finishing 18th on the first crop sire list in 2010, he is currently 11th among all sophomore stallions.
The Colleen, at a mile on the turf, was the first start at the distance for Anne’s Beauty. Breaking alertly, Husbands had the bay filly about three lengths off the lead through the first six furlongs. She moved to the lead just inside the final furlong and won in a hand ride in a solid 1:33.70.
Anne’s Beauty has now won $353,559 with a record of 4-1-2 in eight starts for owner Robert Smithen. She is trained by Paul Attard.
“I went to Keeneland two years ago,” recalled Smithen. “We hadn’t been able to find a horse. I’m having a coffee in the lunch room when my guy down there (Kenny LeJeune) said ‘Go bid on this horse, she’s a beautiful horse’ I had never seen the horse. She’s been fantastic, she can do anything.”
“She’s very versatile,” commented Attard. “Seven-eights on the poly. Mile and one-sixteenth on the poly. Mile on the turf. She just gives everything she has every time. Halfway through the race, I didn’t prefer being on the rail, but knowing Patrick, he finds a way through.”
Richard Forbush and Doug Oliver bred the winner in Kentucky. She is out of Lucky Streak, a half-sister to Grade 3 winner Asher and the stakes winner First Tea.
Mr. Commons second in G2 Del Mar Mile
Artie Schiller’s Mr. Commons ran a super-game race to be beaten just a nose in the $200,000 Del Mar Mile H. (G2) Aug. 27. The final time of 1:34.24 earned Mr. Commons a career best 97 Beyer Speed Figure.
The 3-year-old colt, bred and owned by St. George Farm LLC, has earned $293,660. His biggest win to date came in the $100,000 Oceanside S., also at Del Mar, on July 20.
