Gary Barber’s Our secret agent journey to victory in broad daylight in Whimsical Stakes (G3) on Mother’s Day May 8 at Honeysuckle.
Trainer Mark Casse relaxed out of the gate, sitting near the middle of the seven-horse early yard, before fishing out after a quarter mile opening in: 22:89 on synthetic. With a clear road map ahead, our Secret Agents continue to build momentum, partnering with Artie’s princess (Reylu Gutierrez) half way through: 45.56 before pulling away 2 3/4 the length of the rope in 1:09.62. This is her fourth win in 17 career starts and her first win in three races since attending the Hendrie Stakes (G3) on October 23.
The meeting room, where even money favorites and Dreaming of Drew completed the trilogy,
Winning jockey Kazushi Kimura was a bit surprised by the smoothness of the 5-year-old mare with six hairs, a bit shorter than her preferred distance.
“I did feel like today was going to be a very tough race. Maybe I was more surprised today,” Kimura said with a laugh. “She is best at the (longer) distance, six and a half stretches. Today, it’s probably been too short, but at first she’s been pretty smooth to get into a good position and she’s just keeping fit (eventually).
“I was thinking that Luis’ horse (Contreras), Meeting , and Artie’s Princess, is sure to show off some speed, and so will Gary (Boulanger’s) horse. But, during the break, I didn’t push her much, just [enough] to see if I can get a spot. I didn’t feel any pressure from the outside so it was so easy for her.”
Our Secret Agent was bred in Kentucky by the Paul Tackett Revocable Trust. Secret Circle’s daughter non-stakeholder Holy Bull Avalos who also created Hotshot graded multi-stake winner Anna (Trappe Shot ).
Video: Whimsical S. (G3)
