Hazelbrook at top of her game heading into Grade 2 Bessarabian
At 0h01, on November 12, 2022 • By WOODBINE
Hazelbrook, a 4-year-old daughter of Bayern, goes for another graded stakes crown, this time in Saturday’s Grade 2 $175,000 Bessarabian Stakes, at Woodbine.
The 7-furlong main track feature for fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and upward, has drawn nine starters, including Hazelbrook.
Trained by Lorne Richards, the True North Stable charge has enjoyed a stellar campaign, a season that includes four wins from five starts, and stakes success in the Grade 3 Hendrie, the Sweet Briar Too, and most recently, the Grade 3 Ontario Fashion.
The bay’s other 2022 start was a runner-up effort in the Grade 3 Seaway when she finished second to multiple graded stakes winner Lady Speightspeare, who was third in the recent Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Keeneland.
“It’s been a great year for her,” said Richards. “She’s been good every start and we’re really proud of her.”
Bred in Kentucky by Mike Bilbrey, Hazelbrook finished third at 68-1 in her debut in November 2020, a 6-furlong maiden special event race over the Tapeta.
She began her 3-year-old season in style, winning her first two races before finishing eighth in the Duchess Stakes on September 25, 2021, the final start of her sophomore campaign.
Hazelbrook was back in the winner’s circle after her first start of 2022, the beginning of a three-race win streak.
“I liked her from the very start,” said Richards. “The only thing is that she’s very quirky. She has had issues with her digestive system for a while, so that’s something we’ve had to monitor closely. The clinic in Guelph told me it’s kind of like colitis. It’s something where you have to take it day-by-day, but there’s no denying she has plenty of talent. She can be high-strung, so we do our best. But I’m not going to complain. She shows up every time.”
Partnering Hazelbrook with jockey Jason Hoyte has proven to be a winning combination.
The Bessarabian is carded as race eight on Saturday’s 10-race program. The Maple Leaf goes as race seven. First post is 1:20 p.m.
