Sistas blew away the field in Monday’s Pennsylvania Stallion Series for three-year-old trotting fillies at The Meadows, capturing her fourth consecutive win and third straight in the stallion series.
The event was contested over three divisions, with Im So Fancy and Scented Roses taking the other splits. Dave Palone fashioned a stakes double behind Sistas and Im So Fancy.
Palone let the field settle before moving Sistas, the 1-5 favourite, to the front at the quarter pole. She opened up from there, defeating Kirsi Hanover by seven lengths in 1:54.4, with RV Janet third.
“We’ll just try to keep her sharp and prep her for the final of the stallion series,” said Mickey Peterson, who trains the daughter of Andover Hall-Honorable Mother for Albert Crawford and Michelle Crawford. “I think she does her best work right on the lead. She’ll follow, she’s very well mannered, but when you’re the best, you like to stay clear and out of trouble.”
Palone employed the same strategy with Im So Fancy, sending her to the point at the quarter pole. No one could gain on the daughter of Donato Hanover-Harbour Belle, who triumphed in a career-best 1:54.4. Manhattan Miss was second, 2-1/2 lengths back, while early leader Wouldnt Itbesweet earned show.
“She’ a green filly kind of thrown into stake races. She’s just starting to learn,” Palone said. “Her composure was pretty good today, and that’s when she’s at her best. A real lady behind the gate. I thought if I could get back to the front and control it, she would be tough to catch.”
Ron Burke conditions Im So Fancy for Burke Racing Stable LLC, Howard Taylor, Judith Taylor and Dandy Farms.
Scented Roses also made the decisive move at the quarter, zipping to the lead for Aaron Merriman, trainer Ake Svanstedt and owner Top Ten Racing Stable. The daughter of Cantab Hall-Scent Of A Woman easily thwarted the first-over challenge of Pad Princess and prevailed in 1:55.2, 3 lengths better than Global Ice. Gold Cora completed the ticket.
“I felt like the front was the place to be,” Merriman said. “She looked very good on paper, and her last start, she started coming around. She has a beautiful mouth on her.”
In the $18,000 Preferred Handicap, Tamarind continued his domination of the track’s elite trotters, winning his sixth straight with yet another relentless uncovered move. He scored for Merriman and owner/trainer Bill Bercury in 1:53.2 over Trustworthy Kid, with Monte Cristo Spur third.
The seven-year-old son of Angus Hall-Spicegirl Kosmos extended his career bankroll to $689,544. It was one of four wins for Merriman on the 14-race card.
Tuesday’s program at The Meadows features the Meadow Bright, a $188,066 PA Sires Stake for sophomore filly trotters. First post is 12:55 p.m.
(The Meadows)