Last year’s New York Sire Stakes Two-Year-Old Pacing Filly champion Summertime Lea started the NYSS program off right where she finished last year...with a win that left her competitors far back in the distance.
Jim Morrill Jr. put Summertime Lea (Lislea-Donna Summer-Life Sign) on the lead and the Ron Burke-trained filly did all the rest cutting all the fractions in the race en route to a 1:56.4 score over a very sloppy Buffalo Raceway surface on Saturday night.
“She just walked around the track,” said Morrill. “It basically was a training mile she did it so easy. She’s a real pro and a very special filly.”
The win was the 10th lifetime in 12 attempts for Summertime Lea ($2.10) and her share of the $46,629 purse put her lifetime earnings at $328,167. She is owned by Burke Racing Stable LLC, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, Frank Baldachino, and Earl J. Smith.
Finishing second was My Shyien (John Cummings Jr.) while Ballineen (Ray Fisher Jr.) came in third.
In other Sire Stakes action, Cheyenne Miriam ($3.90), with Simon Allard in the sulky, won in 1:56.2 for trainer Robert Siegelman. The win was the eighth win this year for Cheyenne Miriam, who has been campaigning at Yonkers and the Meadowlands this year. The Bettors Delight-Alibecca miss is leased by The Cheyenne Gang LLC.
Another horse that persevered over the off track was Hit The Curb ($3.30), who scored in the $46,629 division in 1:58.4 with Morrill Jr. in the bike. The Art Major-Student Driver offspring, who won over $160,000 last year, was making her first start of the season. Hit the Curb is trained by Paul Kelley for the W Springtime Racing Stables.
Morrill Jr. led all drivers with six wins on the card.
(With files from Buffalo Raceway)