There were four divisions – each worth nearly $25,000 - of the Acorn Stakes (part of the Historic Series) for two-year-old filly trotters contested on Thursday afternoon at Harrah's Philadelphia.
In the first division, it was emerging superstar Wild Honey (Yannick Gingras) going gate-to-wire for her eighth career win of just nine starts. The daughter of Cantab Hall never left a doubt, winning by four lengths, stopping the clock in 1:55.2.
She is owned by Takter, Liverman, and the Fieldings, and is trained by Jimmy Takter. Pad Princess (Marcus Miller) was second, while Miss Andover (Jeff Gregory) finished third. The winner paid $2.10.
In the second division, it was Bluestone Farms and Fredericka Caldwell's Bright Baby Blues (David Miller) going every step of the way for the win. The daughter of Andover Hall picked up her second career win, returning a handsome $18.00 win mutuel to her supporters. Sarcy (Yannick Gingras) took advantage of the perfect trip to be second, while Josies Joy (Corey Callahan) finished third.
Bright Baby Blues is trained by Joe Holloway. She completed the mile in 1:55.
In division three, Shaqline (Yannick Gingras) lived up to her heavy favouritism. The daughter of Credit Winner went on to a gate-to-wire win, barely holding off the challenge of A List Lindy (Charlie Norris), while Kolachke (David Miller) finished third. The final time was 1:57.
Shaqline is owned by Brixton Medical AB, and is trained by Jimmy Takter. She paid $2.10 to win.
In the final division, it was Shafina Hanover (Andrew McCarthy) pulling off the mild upset in a time of 1:58.2. The heavy favourite Jersey Strong (Tim Tetrick) made a break with the lead turning for home. Devoted (Jim Raymer) overcame a break in her own right to finish a fast closing second, while Im Yelling Timber (Corey Callahan) finished third.
The winner is owned by Victor & Son Stables and Barb Matthews, and is trained by Noel Daley. She paid $14.00 to win.
(Harrah’s Philadelphia)