There were three divisions of the Pennsylvania Sires Stakes for three-year-old filly trotters Thursday afternoon at Harrah's Philadelphia, each going for a purse of just over $73,000.
In the first division, it was Julie Miller trainee Livininthefastlane (Andy Miller) remaining perfect in 2015. The daughter of Donato Hanover got away an early third from post one behind the outside speed of Onda Di Mare (Tim Tetrick) and Bright Baby Blues (Dave Miller). After a :27.2 opening quarter, the eventual winner successfully brushed to the top. After a rated half of :56.4, Livininthefastlane extended her lead, as race favourite Smexi tried to gain first over. After three-quarters (1:25.3), the leader drew off to win by four lengths in the end, stopping the clock in 1:53.3, just one fifth of a second off the track record for three-year-old filly trotters. Onda Di Mare battled back for second, while Bright Baby Blues finished third.
Livininthefastlane is owned by Marvin Katz, Al Libfeld, and Sam Goldband. She paid $5.40.
In the second division, it was Jimmy Takter trainee Wild Honey (Yannick Gingras) picking up her twelfth career win out of fifteen starts. The daughter of Cantab Hall went right to the front setting fractions of :28.2, :57.3 and 1:26 en route to the 1:54.1 score. She was able to avenge last week's narrow loss to Smokinmombo (Aaron Merriman), who enjoyed pocket position throughout, but could not get to the leader in the stretch. Smokinmombo was second, while Lady Clarabella (Dave Miller) finished third.
Wild Honey ($3.20) is owned by Christina Takter, Herb Liverman, and Jim and John Fielding. Wild Honey now has over $500,000 in career earnings.
In the third and final division, another Takter trainee, Sarcy (Corey Callahan) got the job done. The daughter of Donato Hanover waited for the speed to settle before brushing to the top to win her fourth straight. She made her move after an opening quarter of :28.4, which was set by Matter Hatter (Tim Tetrick). After a :57.3 half, Sarcy was challenged by Spirit To Win (Brett Miller). They battled past three quarters (1:26), with Sarcy edging clear. Nifty Norman trainee Magic Marker (Dave Miller) swooped up three wide, but had to settle for second, while Spirit To Win finished third.
Sarcy (1:54.4) is owned by Christina Takter, Oakwood Farms, and John and Jim Fielding. She paid $4.00.
(Harrah’s Philadelphia)