by Greg Gangle, WEG media

Toronto, ON — After a less than stellar freshman campaign, Fantaddy seems to be putting his best foot forward this season.

New Image Media photo

Fantaddy (#3) was a nose winner over Up The Credit in their Diplomat Stakes elimination.

The 3-year-old son of Bettor’s Delight-Lifetime Member has posted a 2-1-0 record in three starts this season, including an elimination victory of the Diplomat Stakes this past Saturday (May 7) at Woodbine.

Last year, Fantaddy earned $10,110 from four starts but wasn’t showing his best stride. The $72,000 yearling purchase at the Harrisburg sale is owned by John Fielding and is now trained by Tony O’Sullivan.

“Last year Erv Miller trained him down and I heard that he was one of Erv’s better colts. He qualified very well for him but started to make uncharacteristic breaks and it took him time to recover. He needed time to grow up,” said O’Sullivan.

“I got him at the end of January and he’s done everything right. I could tell he had the speed which was needed to compete at a high level.”

O’Sullivan, one of WEG’s top conditioners, has sent 20 of his pupils to the winner’s circle and has banked almost $400,000 in purse earnings at Woodbine this year.

O’Sullivan believes the colt has the talent needed to race with the big boys, however, the youngster is still learning how to race.

“He’s a very sound horse but you have to be careful not to get him too geared up. He can be a high-strung horse and he’s still learning how to race. Scott (driver Scott Zeron) has done a terrific job with him.”

O’Sullivan recognizes that the Diplomat Stakes will test the abilities of his young student.

“I think it’s a fairly wide-open race. I know we won our elimination but I think there are three or four horses with a legitimate chance to win. He’s not a standout but he isn’t a long shot either, it might come down to who gets the best trip.”

Fantaddy has $37,490 in career earnings with a 1:51.2 lifetime best. He will leave from post three in the C$80,000 final of the Diplomat Stakes.

The field will line up as follows: 1. Grand Master, 2. Eighteen, 3. Fantaddy, 4. Mach It Big, 5. Up The Credit, 6. Tribute To Gear, 7. Bettor’s Green, 8. Rockabillie, 9. Big Time Rocks, 10. Dapper Denzil, AE1. Doin Time Together.