Defying her 30-1 odds, Temple Blue Chip patiently stalked the leader and charged late to capture her $100,000 Pennsylvania Stallion Series division Wednesday, August 31 at the Meadows in a stakes record 1:57.4.
The stakes event for two-year-old trotting fillies was contested over five divisions, with Cant Be Seduced, Transgressive, Say What and Pilgrims Honey taking the other splits. Trainer Trond Smedshammer enjoyed a stakes double with Temple Blue Chip and Cant Be Seduced.
Although winless in three previous starts, Temple Blue Chip trotted evenly in two earlier Stallion Series legs and hit the board in each instance. On Wednesday, she showed late pop as well, as she came home in :29.1 for pilot Greg Grismore and sustained a first-over journey to defeat End Of Innocence. Early leader Upfront Carol finished third. The time erased the stakes mark of 1:59 which was established earlier in the card by Cant Be Seduced.
“On paper, she didn’t really look like she could go that much,” Grismore said. “But she got out of the gate perfect, and you couldn’t ask for a better trip. She got some confidence, and I just kept her in there and kept her brave. She was super.”
Adam Victor & Son Stable owns Temple Blue Chip, a daughter of Cantab Hall--Down Goes Debbie.
Cant Be Seduced may have lost her stakes record, but the 1-2 favourite made a strong uncovered move to engage Voluptuous Ronda in an extended duel before downing her rival by three quarters of a length. Alegrion completed the ticket.
“In a normal year, I think she’s a sires stake filly, but this year the trotting filly ranks are exceptionally tough,” said victorious driver Dave Palone. “She needs to get a little bit stronger, but she has all the manners in the world.”
Melvin Hartman, Herb Liverman and White Birch Farm own Cant Be Seduced, a daughter of Cantab Hall--Seducer Hall.
Transgressive also was a first-over winner. She blew by Amitys Lalabye in the lane to triumph in a career-best 2:00.2 for Dick Stillings. Cantab Cabela was a half length back in second while Teresa Tresa rallied for third.
“She’s had health issues all summer, and I almost didn’t bring her here,” said Fred Grant, who trains the daughter of SJs Caviar--Trance Anthem for owner/breeder Russell Williams. “But she was good enough to race. She’s game, good-gaited and handy. I don’t believe she’s a Grand Circuit filly, but I think she’ll be a useful filly.”
(Meadows)