Three-year-old trotting fillies found themselves in the spotlight on Thursday evening in New Jersey, as the Meadowlands Racetrack hosted a trio of New Jersey Sires
Stakes divisions.
Lost Symbol stood out amongst the group of fillies after capturing her third straight win of the season with ease in the second division. Under the guidance of trainer/driver Trond Smedshammer, Lost Symbol rushed to the lead at the half and pulled away in the stretch to a 3-1/2 lengths victory in 1:56, ahead of runner-up Wincinnatti.
James Wilhite, Jr. of Lexington, KY owns the daughter of Yankee Glide-Wishingforadream. Lost Symbol was a $42,00 yearling purchase from the Lexington Selected Sales in Lexington, KY. She paid $4.00 to win the $16,900 event.
“She’s the best of [my fillies] right now,” said Smedshammer. “The one who was good last year hasn’t come back strong yet. She [Lost Symbol] didn’t really do anything last year. So far everything has gone right for her and she’s getting better all the time, so who knows what the future can bring. I think she can be any kind of filly. She’s been good every time [this season].”
In her 2011 debut, Hey Mister rallied to win the $16,400 first division in 1:56. She finished 3-1/2 lengths ahead of second-place finisher Seducedbychocolate and paid $5.60 to win.
“I raced her last year in a few starts and she definitely had some talent,” said her driver, Brian Sears. “She definitely has a personality, like all these trotting fillies do. She’s not exactly easy to drive. She’s kind of precocious but has a little attitude. When things are set up her way, she really shows some talent.”
Eric Cherry (Let It Ride Stables Inc.) bred and co-owns the daughter of Muscles Yankee-Pick Me Up with Jerry Silva, Robert Cooper Stables and Nick Barbieri. Ross Croghan trains the filly.
The $16,400 third division went to Tawesome More, who won her first start of the year in 1:56.4. After a late break by TUI, Andy Miller guided Tawesome up the rail to snatch the win, returning $20.20. The daughter by Muscles Yankee-Toss Up out-kicked Dont Cry Lindy who finished second.
“I was wishing I was out somewhere but I got stuck on the rail,” Miller said. “But it opened up and she had a lot of trot. I think she can be a serious contender; she’s a pretty nice filly. She showed some good miles last year. I don’t know if she can beat some of the better ones, but she’s definitely a contender.”
Tawesome More now has four wins in six starts for owner Bloodstock Farm and Stables of Saddle River, NJ and trainer Tony Alagna. She was a $60,000 yearling purchase from the Standardbred Horse Sale in Harrisburg, PA.
Thursday’s card also featured the Summer Survivor Series for three-year-old pacers, with five divisions on tap for $12,500 apiece.
Winning their respective tilts were Rockem (1:52.1), Nathan Feelsgood (1:53.2), Mr Tommy Fra (1:52.1), Waldy Jimmy (1:51.1) and Alex Bullville (1:53).
An accident, which occurred shortly after the start of Race 11, marred the final tilt during Thursday’s 11-race program at the Meadowlands.
Quiet Judy (Dave Miller) appeared to simply lock on the left line as the field was heading into the first turn, and as a result she simply stepped on the wheel of Im Sooo Hot (Tim Tetrick) as that foe was floating out for position.
Miller was unseated from his bike, but according to track announcer Sam McKee he got back to his feet and appeared alright. The horse he was driving galloped off and at one point was reported to be heading the wrong way of the track while the race was still in progress. The right wheel on Tetrick’s sulky was destroyed, but he managed to pull his horse up in the first turn.
Trot Insider will post additional details on the spill when they are made available.
(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)
To view results for Thursday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Thursday Results – Meadowlands Racetrack.