The upcoming Grade 3 Bessarabian Stakes at Woodbine Racetrack promises an electrifying display of equine prowess as a field of 14 fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and upward, prepare to battle it out over the seven-furlong main track. Among the contenders is the seasoned campaigner Queen Macha, who will be making her third consecutive graded-stakes appearance in this prestigious event.

A Showcase of Equine Athleticism and Competitive Spirit

Queen Macha's Pursuit of Glory

Queen Macha, a 5-year-old grey mare by Keen Ice out of the Unbridled's Song mare Sue Me Baby, has carved out an impressive record of 27 starts, with 4 wins, 5 seconds, and 7 thirds, amassing over $221,774 in career earnings. Trained by Martin Drexler for the C2 Racing Stable, Queen Macha will be seeking to build on her recent performances, which include a third-place finish in the Sweet Briar Too Stakes, a third in the Seaway Stakes (G3), and a seventh-place effort in the Dance Smartly Stakes (G2).Despite the setback in the Dance Smartly, Drexler remains confident in Queen Macha's abilities, stating, "The last race we ran her in (Dance Smartly) was a bit of a shot to take, but I still think she will be good on the grass. Honestly, everything that day just wasn't ideal. It just didn't work out." The trainer believes that the seven-furlong distance on the synthetic surface at Woodbine will be the "perfect scenario" for his talented mare, who he says is "doing great" and in "very good order" for the Bessarabian.

A Formidable Field of Contenders

Queen Macha will face stiff competition from a talented field of rivals, including the Ontario Fashion Stakes (G3) winner A Game, the Hendrie Stakes (G3) champion Gal in a Rush, the multiple stakes winner Sunday Shoes, the Toronto Cup Stakes winner and multiple graded stakes-placed Love to Shop, and the Bison City Stakes winner Stormcast.The Bessarabian Stakes has a rich history, with the legendary trainer Roger Attfield and Kinghaven Farms teaming up to win the first two editions of the race in 1985 and 1986 with Summer Mood and Playlist, respectively. The race is named after Canada's champion older female of 1986, a multiple stakes-winning daughter of Vice Regent trained by Michael Doyle and owned by Eaton Hall Farm.

A Synthetic Surface Showdown

The Bessarabian Stakes, contested on the all-weather track at Woodbine, will provide an intriguing test of the horses' versatility and adaptability. The seven-furlong distance is a sweet spot for many of the contenders, and the synthetic surface can level the playing field, allowing horses with different running styles to showcase their talents.Drexler, who has enjoyed a successful campaign, earning over $3 million in purse earnings, believes the Bessarabian's distance and surface will suit Queen Macha perfectly. "She is very good now, physically, and at this point in her career, I think the seven-eighths on the synthetic is pretty much the perfect scenario for her. It still isn't an easy spot for her to run in, but I know she is going to like it."With a talented field, a prestigious history, and the unique challenges of the Woodbine all-weather track, the 2024 Bessarabian Stakes promises to be a thrilling and unpredictable affair, where the true champions will rise to the occasion and etch their names in the annals of Canadian racing.