The New York Sire Stakes visited Batavia Downs on Wednesday, Aug. 27 with nine two-year-old trotting fillies competing for a $155,694 purse, and the heavily favoured Sharp Seven did not disappoint.
Jeff Gregory settled Sharp Seven in fourth as Storybook Love (Todd Ratchford) set early fractions of :28.4 and :59.2. As the field passed the stands, Gregory tipped Sharp Seven, who incrementally made her way towards the leader, eventually drawing to within a length at three-quarters in 1:29.1. Storybook Love maintained her advantage around the final turn, but when they straightened for home, Sharp Seven found open ground in the middle of the track and trotted home to win by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:59. Storybook Love finished second with B Eyelash (Jim Morrill Jr) third.
On the strength of her third win in seven starts, Sharp Seven ($2.30) increased her earnings to $283,792. George Ducharme trains the Chapter Seven-Lookin Sharp filly for owner Purple Haze Stables LLC.
There were also two $27,778 Excelsior Series races on the program.
The first was won by Makeittothebell (Chapter Seven-Alanas Brilliance, $2.60) in 2:02 for driver Tyler Buter, trainer Ducharme, and owner FTM Racing Stable LLC.
The second went to R Ro (Chapter Seven-Barn Girl, $14) with Buter driving for trainer John Butenschoen and owner M And L of Delaware/Armitage Farm.
This was the final stop for preliminary legs of the NYSS at Batavia Downs. However, the best of the best from all eight divisions will be back at The Downs on Saturday, Sept. 6 for the $2.4 million USD Night of Champions.
In overnight action at Batavia, Brett Beckwith had the hot hands as he registered a grand slam on the 14-race card. He won with Ramapo Ccl (1:56.4, $9.80), Samosa Hanover (1:58.2, $3.10), Ellas Reason A (1:57.1, $4.70), and Alwaysanun (1:57.4, $8.10). Trainers Ducharme, Brett Derue, and Candace Brandstatter-Hall each scored two wins apiece.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday, Aug. 29 with post time at 6 p.m.
(Batavia Downs)