Think Of Galaxies and Test Of Faith each got New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) wins, as Vernon Downs hosted two divisions for three-year-old pacing fillies on Saturday (Aug. 14).
Think Of Galaxies was an upset winner in the $55,000 first division
The big favourite Heart Of Mine went straight to the front, followed by Think Of Galaxies, and hit the first quarter in :27.4. Heart Of Mine used a :30.2 second quarter to hit the half first in :58.1. Think Of Galaxies pops the pocket as they headed for three-quarters. Heart Of Mine hit three-quarters first in 1:27.4 but suffered broken equipment and went on a break.
As they made the turn for home Think Of Galaxies took control but Delightful Z Tam came flying late. Think Of Galaxies had the jump and hung on to win in 1:54.2. Delightful Z Tam was second. DC Batgirl finished third.
Think Of Galaxies is a filly by So Surreal owned by Jonathan Klee Racing and Peter Kleinhans while trained by John McDermott. It was her third win of the season and sixth victory in her career. Mark MacDonald drove the $21.40 winner.
Test Of Faith dazzled in the $56,000 second division.
Purameri took the early lead, but Test Of Faith went on by and led to the first quarter in :28.2. Test Of Faith controlled things and led to the half in :57.1. Party Queen was the first to make a move going first-up around the turn. Test Of Faith was strong to three-quarters in 1:25.1.
As they reached the stretch, Test Of Faith found another and made it a race for second as she cruised home to win in 1:51.3. Purameri was second as So Diva came up to finish third.
.jpg)
Test Of Faith is a filly by Art Major. She is trained by Brett Pelling for owners Melvin Segal, Kentuckiana Racing Stable, and Eddie Gran. It was her sixth win in 2021. She has now won 14 of 16 starts. David Miller drove the $2.10 winner.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (Aug. 20). Post time is 6:10 p.m. (EDT).
(Vernon Downs)