Kirty Dream controlled his rivals early, then mounted a successful assault on the clock as he captured a division of Tuesday’s Keystone Classic at The Meadows
in a stakes record and career-best 1:54.2.
The $93,801 event for three-year-old colt and gelding trotters was contested over three divisions, with Pilgrims Chuckie and Pretty Boy Lindy taking the other splits — both for John Campbell.
After finishing a troubled second to Pilgrims Chuckie in the Pennsylvania Sires Stakes divisional championship at The Meadows, Kirty Dream took matters into his own hands in the Keystone Classic, sailing to the front and never experiencing an anxious moment.
“I never popped his earplugs — never had to,” said winning driver Dave Palone. “I thought he was much the best, and I never had to ask him. I wish he were eligible to more. Maybe they can supplement him because he’s ready to go a big trip. He just trained a mile today.”
The gelded son of Cantab Hall-Klelia prevailed by 2-1/4 lengths over the pocket-sitting Chimon, with Nightime Flash third. The time bettered the stake mark of 1:55 established by Pilgrims Chuckie about an hour earlier. Henrik Hollsten trains Kirty Dream for Reve Avec Moi Dreamwithme.
Pilgrims Chuckie’s record may have been short lived, but that doesn’t diminish the ease of the champ’s victory in the Keystone Classic, a 4-1/2-length, ground-saving romp over Freedom Ridge. Niteroi Oaks completed the top three.
“He was pretty comfortable,” Campbell said. “I did kick the plugs out just to keep his attention finishing, but he went around there very easily. He’s turned into a real professional. That’s a big plus with these colts that you’re racing at this level. They’re versatile enough you can do what you want with them.”
Scott Andrews conditions the son of Broadway Hall-Woman of Means, who now boasts $390,915 in lifetime earnings, for Rodney Andrews, Edward Andrews, Chuck Sylvester and Pinstripe Stable. Campbell said Pilgrims Chuckie will race next in the Breeders Crown.
Pretty Boy Lindy enjoyed a pocket trip behind Baximum and Palone, then blew by in the lane to triumph in 1:55.3, Tough Call shot the Lightning Lane for second, while Baximum saved show.
“Dave definitely had the horse I wanted to follow,” Campbell said. “He settled in the two hole, and when I asked him around the last turn, he responded very well. He hasn’t had much luck in the bigger races, but he’s not a bad colt.”
Frank Antonacci trains Pretty Boy Lindy, a son of Cantab Hall-My Dollys Dream who has won five of 10 starts this year, for Lindy Racing Stable and Robert Rudolph.
Palone drove four winners on the 15-race card.
(The Meadows)