Final Accord parlayed a dominating Woodbine debut victory into her first black-type score in the $175,000 Matron Stakes (G3T) Oct. 2 at Aqueduct Racetrack.
One of only two fillies making just their second starts in the 6-furlong Matron, Final Accord ran like a seasoned pro under jockey Junior Alvarado. Racing in between horses early, she tucked back behind the first flight of pacesetters following a :22.14 opening quarter. As race leader Should've attempted to skate clear turning for home, Final Accord launched a belated rally down the center of the track. The War of Will filly tore into Should've's lead, who had her hands full with Royal Testament to her inside.
Rolling past both fillies late, Final Accord ($13.76) flashed under the wire a length on top in a final time of 1:08.47 over a firm turf course.
Royal Testament, the 9-5 favorite, nipped Should've by a nose for runner-up honors.
Trained by Mark Casse for owners Gary Barber and Peter Deutsch, 2-year-old Final Accord became Claiborne Farm stallion War of Will's first graded stakes winner of 2025. A $75,000 Keeneland September Yearling Sale buy last year, the filly is the third winner and first stakes winner produced by the Blame mare Closing Statement.
"I've got the great Mark Casse and his incredible team behind us, and he's got a good eye for horses," Deutsch said. "This horse has been training great, and he's been patient with her as well. I think there's a lot of upside and I'm really excited with where we are."
