Earhart (FR) glides to first-class Grade 3 Whimsical glory
TORONTO, May 3, 2025 – Earhart (FR), under Rafael Hernandez, soared to a splendid score in the $150,000 Whimsical Stakes (G3) Presented by Crown Royal, Saturday at Woodbine.
A compact field of five vied for top prize in the six-furlong main track event for fillies and mares, 4-year-olds and up, with 1-5 Earhart (FR) coasting to the front strides after the start.
The striking grey held a one-length advantage over Ticker Tape Home through a quarter in :22.92, followed by Ms. Tart, Gal in a Rush, and Star Candy.
Earhart (FR) was still comfortably in charge after a half in :45.23 and extended her lead with ease as she rounded the turn for home and began her drive to the wire. From there, it was simply a question of what the winning margin would be.
Still under a hand ride 110 yards from home, Earhart (FR) landed at the wire a 5 ½-length winner in 1.08.84. Gal in a Rush was second, 1 ½ lengths clear of Ms. Tart. Ticker Tape Home and Star Candy completed the order of finish.
Hernandez, a finalist for the champion rider Sovereign Award in 2024, raved at the 4-year-olds flawless performance.
“She's a Cadillac horse,” said Hernandez, who was aboard for the first time in race action. “Any big-brand car you're talking about, it's that one. You know, she's so fast and easy you don't feel like you're going that fast, like a sports car. You go 180, 200 you don't feel it.
“Josie told me, ‘Raffy, make sure you break good, and be patient with her and make sure the pace is good.’”
Jaime Roth, who oversees her family’s stable, took to X immediately after the win. Part of her post read, ‘LOVE YOU SO MUCH BEAUTIFUL!!!’
Bred by Ecurie Des Monceaux & LNJ Foxwoods SC, the daughter of Siyouni (FR) out of the Shamardal mare Aviatress (IRE) won her first two starts, both at Woodbine, by a combined 17 ¾ lengths, before a third in the Likely Exchange Stakes this January at Turfway Park.
Earhart, who sold for €1.4 million at the 2022 Arqana Deauville August Yearling Sale, returned $2.60 for the Whimsical win.
Live racing at Woodbine resumes Sunday with a first post of 1:05 p.m. The Rockcliffe Stakes headlines the 10-race card.
Chris Lomon, Woodbine
.jpg "Earhart (FR) and jockey Rafael Hernandez winning the Whimsical Stakes on May 3, 2025 at Woodbine (Michael Burns Photo)")
