Catch My Breath, the promising three-year-old offspring of the sire Thinking Out Loud, made a striking harness racing debut with a commanding performance at Flamboro Downs on Saturday, February 23.
Sent off at odds of 12-1, the Bob McIntosh-bred filly showcased her potential under the guidance of driver Nick Steward.
Taking the lead from fourth position during a brisk third-quarter burst, Catch My Breath surged ahead of her competitors, leaving them struggling to keep pace. With a significant four-length lead as they turned for home, she further extended her advantage, crossing the finish line with an impressive margin of seven and a quarter lengths and setting an initial mark of 1:58.3. Sauble Lila, driven by Jason Ryan, narrowly edged out Daddys Debit, steered by Paul Mackenzie, for the second spot.
Trained by McIntosh, who also co-owns her with Frank Baldachino, this talented filly, born in 2021, is the daughter of Breathtacular and a half-sibling to the distinguished O'Brien Award finalist Moment Is Here. Catch My Breath is part of a select group of six foals sired by Thinking Out Loud in 2021 and has now secured her position as the first victor from that crop.
In a thrilling opener, Million Angels, sired by Artspeak, made a remarkable return to form in her debut for Jason Ryan. After a hiatus of more than 10 months from the winner's circle, the mare showed her class by leading from start to finish, clocking a time of 1:58.2. With five victories in 65 career starts, Million Angels had faced a dry spell in her recent outings before Ryan's acquisition on February 15. Her triumph not only marked a resurgence but also boosted her earnings to $52,349.