NYRA announced Thursday that Final Accord delivered an impressive victory in the Grade III Matron Stakes at the Belmont at the Big A meeting, maintaining her perfect record with a strong late rally.
The Gary Barber and Peter Deutsch-owned filly, who won her debut impressively over Woodbine’s turf course on September 11, demonstrated her versatility by successfully stretching out in Thursday’s six-furlong turf contest.
Jockey Junior Alvarado positioned Final Accord sixth through the opening half-mile in :44.60 before angling her to the center of the course turning for home. Despite racing greenly in the stretch, the War of Will filly powered past her rivals to win by a length at odds of 5-1.
Favored Royal Testament (Midshipman) edged out pacesetter Should’ve (Not This Time) by a nose for second place. Should’ve recovered admirably after stumbling at the start, rushing up to establish the early pace.
“We expected there was going to be a big pace duel up front and Junior was patient. When he asked her to go, she had it in the tank. I’m excited she was able to rate and finish strong,” Deutsch said. “I’ve got the great Mark Casse and his incredible team behind us, and he’s got a good eye for horses. 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.”
Alvarado credited the race dynamics for setting up his filly’s winning move.
“Even though Joel’s (Rosario) horse (Should’ve) broke a little slow, I guess it kind of helped because then he rushed up the rail, and I just tried to ride my filly, whatever we get, that’s good and she ended up getting the whole pie. She finished up very well.”
Final Accord completed the six furlongs on firm turf in 1:08.47.
Pedigree Notes
A $75,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase, Final Accord becomes the second graded winner for sophomore sire War of Will and the 19th graded winner for broodmare sire Blame.
Her dam Closing Statement (Blame), a winning homebred for Phipps Stable, was purchased by breeder Bob Hoeweler for $95,000 at the 2019 Keeneland November sale. The mare has also produced a yearling colt by Violence and was bred to Omaha Beach for 2026.
Final Accord’s distinguished female family traces back to her third dam, the brilliant multiple Grade I winner Educated Risk.
FINAL ACCORD is now 2-for-2 after winning the Grade 3 Matron Stakes with @JuniorandKellyA aboard for trainer @markecasse. pic.twitter.com/Sngba0XaAg
— NYRA (🌳) (@TheNYRA)
FINAL ACCORD is now 2-for-2 after winning the Grade 3 Matron Stakes with October 2, 2025
Race Details
The Grade III Matron Stakes carried a purse of $175,000 and was contested at six furlongs on the turf for two-year-old fillies.
Final Accord earned $96,250 for the victory, improving her lifetime record to 2-for-2 with earnings of $128,406.
Royal Testament, owned by Mathiesen Racing LLC and trained by George Weaver, collected $35,000 for second place, while Lael Stables’ Should’ve, trained by Wesley Ward, earned $21,000 for third.
Completing the order of finish were Catalonia, Just Philtored, Bella Knows, Snappy Comeback, and Y’allreadyforthis. Believe in Magic, Oscar’s Encore, Snow Face Princess, and Valala were scratched.
