Already off to a tremendous start, freshman sire Hard Spun added a seventh winner to the list July 30 at Woodbine. Hard Not To Like stormed to victory in a six furlong Maiden Special Weight on the turf in her first start. The filly settled in fifth throughout the majority of the race. Into the stretch she fanned wide with a determined closing drive to solidify the victory towards the end of the race.
The two-year-old filly was bred by Garland E. Williamson and is the first foal for the multiple Stakes winner Like A Gem, by Tactical Cat. The mare is a half-sister to Stakes winner Win And Reign and Graded-placed Cool Gator.
Hard Spun currently leads all freshman sires by winners. He also saw his first black type success recently as his son Red Duke won the G2 Superlative Stakes at Newmarket. He has also sired Belmont Maiden Special Weight winner Artest, among others. Hard Spun's best victory came in the G1 King's Bishop Stakes at Saratoga, while he also showed his versatility with strong second place efforts in the G1 Kentucky Derby and G1 Breeders' Cup Classic.
