New York Sire Stakes champion Joviality S overcame the elements and the outermost post to deliver mirth and riches to her connections after a narrow win in the $600,000 2021 Breeders Crown Final for two-year-old filly trotters on Friday (Oct. 29) at The Meadowlands Racetrack.
Joviality was one of the many fillies placed forwardly, and driver Brian Sears landed in fifth from Post 10 with his filly while Jiggy Jog S (Andy Miller) breezed by the first quarter in a brisk :26.3. Second choice Lilbitalexis (Dexter Dunn) inherited the pocket when Selfie Queen self-destructed on the first turn, but drove right on by to front the field. Raised By Lindy, sent off as the 6/5 favourite, started the outer flow from third just after the :56.1 half to pressure Lilbitalexis. That move spotted Joviality S second over as the field rounded the far turn with a 1:26.1 third quarter.
Turning for home, Raised By Lindy forged past Lilbitalexis but faced dead aim from Joviality S in the lane. These two fillies fought valiantly to the wire with neither wanting to give way. Hitting the line together, a photo finish print was ordered. Joviality S emerged the winner, a long nose ahead of Raised By Lindy. Jiggy Jog S nabbed the show dough.
"You know, I wasn't too thrilled about the draw," stated driver Brian Sears. "She drew the eight in the Sire Stakes final at Yonkers and she left hard from the eight hole and got the front. I know she has good gait speed and you can back her off after that. She's got great manners and that makes my job so much easier.
"I couldn't ask for a better trip and just happy to get it done. My filly definitely loves chasing them down and she got it done tonight."
Courant Inc. of Delray Beach, Fl. owns Joviality S ($18.40), now an eight-time winner from 11 seasonal starts with $669,998 in purse earnings. The daughter of Chapter Seven - Pasithea Face S is trained by Marcus Melander.
All the recaps from Friday's opening night of Breeders Crown finals can be found in the 2021 Breeders Crown News Centre.