Hansa delivers under Azan’s guidance, shines in Thornbird Stakes

Trainer Richard Azan’s meticulous planning paid off as his charge Hansa delivered a stunning performance to win the 32nd staging of the $1.75-million Thornbird Stakes, showcasing her speed and talent in a decisive victory that solidifies her credentials for the Classic series.

Hansa showcased her talent by coming from behind runners to steal victory in the Graded Stakes contest for native-bred three-year-old fillies. Hansa, ridden by Tajay Suckoo, sat nicely behind the runners before changing gears and surging forward to claim victory. Hansa beat Social Aviator (Robert Halledeen) and Danka (Romane Gordon) by a length and three-quarters, finishing in 1:28.30 minutes.

The Thornbird Stakes was one of the major prep races on the ‘Road to the Triple Crown’ series of races.

Azan was thrilled with Hansa’s victory.

“She won the last time in February; she is not a big filly so we didn’t want to run her back so quickly. So we were looking at this race and we had programmed her based on the date and all other things,” Azan told the Jamaica Observer’s
The Supreme Racing Guide.

“She trained really well coming into the race and I had expected her to run how she ran today. Passing the three furlongs she wanted to make her move and she came down very quickly and very decisively. She then went to the lead and won and that was that. That was the plan.

“I am almost sure that the jockey will be aboard for the 1000 Guineas. Let’s hope that everything goes well. She is a horse and she is a Classic horse and hope that I am right,” Azan added.

After being unable to contest the early pace, Hansa settled mid-pack, biding her time as Miss MoneyPenny (Shane Ellis) set the tempo down the backstretch ahead of Lady Babita (Tajay Suckoo), Social Aviator, and Linguist (Reyan Lewis).
Hansa continued to bide her time as the field approached the half-mile (800m) and pace increased.

Social Aviator took over as the distance approached with Linguist, Hansa, and Danka (Romane Gordon) chasing coming off the turn for home bend. As the field turned for home, Hansa produced a strong run from the outside on her way to claim victory.