It was the Simons sweep in the three divisions of Tompkins-Geers stake races for two-year-old trotting fillies on Friday night at Tioga Downs
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Sabana Hanover and Mike Simons captured the $30,352 first division of the Tompkins-Geers. Simons sent the two-year-old daughter of Sjs Caviar-Sos Fire Fly first over to clear past pacesetter Full Tank (Jim Morrill Jr.) and ease to victory in 2:01. It was the first win of the career for Sabana Hanover in three lifetime starts for Maple Ridge Stable and Mary Martin of Pennsylvania. Clarence Martin Jr. trains the trotting filly, who was purchased for $14,000 at the Harrisburg Sale.
In the second division, Simons sent Madam Hooch straight to the top from post position nine and never looked back on their way to victory in 1:59.2. It was the first career victory for the two-year-old daughter of Credit Winner-Pigwidgeon, who had previously posted two second place in his first two starts. Fred Grant trains Madam Hooch for Russell Williams of Hanover, Pennsylvania. The trip to victory lane was made a little bit easier when 1-9 betting favourite Nicole (Jim Morrill Jr.) made a miscue behind the gate, and then again just past the half mile mark.
In the third and final division, Simons relinquished the lead past the quarter mile mark to betting favourite Dreama Littledream (Gates Brunet). Simons kept Felicity Hall in the pocket through fractions of :29.1, 1:00.2, and 1:29.4 before edging to the outside at the top of the stretch to pass by the pacesetter and score in her first lifetime start in 2:00.2. The two-year-old daughter of Like A Prayer-Favorite Hall is trained by Fred Grant for owner-breeder Walnut Hall Limited of Lexington, Kentucky. Fred Grant spoke briefly in the winner’s circle following the victory and said Felicity Hall was being aimed toward her stake action at The Red Mile in August.
Jim Morrill Jr. also posted a driving triple on the night’s 11-race card, while leading driver Jimmy Marohn Jr. had a double.
Grand Circuit racing continues on Saturday, July 18th featuring the Tompkins-Geers with a post time of 6:50 p.m.
(Tioga Downs)