He began his career modestly enough, but now, Southwind Distilld is poised to win his second straight Pennsylvania Sires Stakes split. He’ll try it in Friday’s $151,230 leg for freshman colt and gelding trotters at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.
The son of Southwind Frank-Dolce Delight has drawn the inside post in Race 10, with Yannick Gingras aboard. The 12-race program also features a $60,000 PA Stallion Series event for two-year-old colt and gelding trotters. First post is 5:10 p.m.
A $15,000 yearling acquisition at Lexington, Southwind Distilld didn’t tackle stakes company early on, launching his career in a Pop Up Series at The Meadows. He won the final, which went for $14,000 — respectable enough, but could that be a springboard to greater things?
Mark Dumain was determined to find out. On July 8, he purchased Southwind Distilld from the youngster’s locally based owners and eventually transferred him to the Per Engblom stable. He’s sparkled there, finishing third in an Arden Downs division before that front-end beauty in 1:56.4 in the PASS leg at Pocono.
Engblom says he didn’t push any magic button to allow the colt to jump up so successfully.
“There were a couple issues we had to work through,” said Engblom. “In his first start for me, he was hanging on the right line a little bit. It took a little time to get him into our system, but he adjusted pretty quickly.
“He’s a little laid back, but he’s been very handy to train and drive. I hope he’ll be a player in this race and, obviously, in the final.”
That $260,000 championship takes place Sept. 4 at Harrah’s Philadelphia. After that, though, Southwind Distilld’s dance card is empty.
“I think he has plenty more in the tank, but he has a very thin stakes schedule,” reported Engblom. “We might take him to the Red Mile; it’s all about how he feels. If we put him away early, he’ll be ready for next year. There will be more choices then.”
(MSOA)