"She's tough as nails and has guts. She's the type of filly everyone wants in their barn."
With victories in her last two starts, Violet Bayama has certainly been in top form and will look to continue her winning ways in Friday’s second round of the Blossom Series at Woodbine Racetrack.
The talented daughter of Somebeachsomewhere-Korinna Bayama captured her opening round assignment in 1:55.3 for Yves Filion's Bayama Farms, which co-owns and bred the lass with Jacques Damours.
Trained by Stephane Larocque and driven by Yves’ son, Sylvain, Violet Bayama will begin from post seven in the lone division on Friday.
"Yves trained her down and raced her a few times at Rideau Carleton, before sending her to me. So far, Yves has made me look really good," Larocque said with a chuckle. "She has a lot of speed, she's versatile and a very good filly to have in the barn."
Even though Violet Bayama had an unproductive campaign last year which saw the rookie earn just $1,600 from five starts, she has certainly made steady gains this season with a 3-2-2 record from 10 starts and $38,680 in earnings.
"She was just immature and needed to grow and develop," Larocque said. "Yves trained her down as a baby before sending her up and she just needed time like most two-year-olds."
Larocque admits that playing the waiting game on Violet Bayama has certainly benefited her so far this season.
"She grew up and has really matured into a solid filly," he said.
Larocque said he was most impressed with Violet Bayama's performance last week in the opening round of the Blossom as the bay fended off a challenge from heavily-favoured Missevil.
"Most fillies would get tired at that point in the mile and give up the lead, but not her," said Larocque. "She fought right till the end and never gave up. Her heart was displayed that night."
Larocque, who is stabled at Baycairn Training Center near Campbellville, is optimistic Violet Bayama could be in store for a big payday in the near future.
"She looks as good as any of the fillies in the series," he said. "We won our division last week, so we're in the final. All we can do is take it one day at a time."
The Blossom Series is for three-year-old fillies, who are non-winners of three races or $15,000 on 2013.
The rich $30,000 (added) final will take place on Friday, April 11.
(WEG)
To view entries for Friday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Friday Entries – Woodbine Racetrack.