Two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for two-year-old trotting fillies highlighted the card at Batavia Downs Casino, Saturday night and the fans on hand saw a big longshot and a heavy public favourite lay claim to the winner's circle
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The first division worth $58,712 saw longshot American Lassie (Kevin Cummings) shoot out of the gate from Post 7 and drop in second behind Borrow And Spend (Ray Schnittker) before the field passed the eighth pole. The group stayed in line and tripped the quarter in :29.2. Post time favourite Cowgirl Hall (Gates Brunet) pulled first over as the field of seven headed to the half in a minute flat and she pushed the issue to a 1:30.1 three-quarters before fading at the top of the stretch. Borrow And Spend tried to pull away but came off the rail and in doing so, allowed American Lassie to sneak up inside and light up the toteboard by half a length in 2:00. The winning time was a lifetime mark for the 21-1 shot, who paid $44. Borrow And Spend hung on for second and Zanna Royal (Dan Daley) finished third.
American Lassie (American Mike-Southern Lassie) now boasts freshman earnings of $77,032 for owner-breeder Robert J. Key and trainer Charlie Norris.
In the second $59,812 division, the overwhelming 1-9 favourite Lima Playmate (Ray Schnittker) went directly to the front and took the five filly field to the quarter in :29.2, the half in 1:00.2 and the three-quarters in 1:31, as no one would make a move to challenge her. As they made their way into the last turn, Pittstop Ruthie (Kevin Cummings) was the only competitor close enough for a shot at the leader, but was no match for Lima Playmate as she pulled away to win with ease by three and a half lengths, in 2:00.2. Pittstop Ruthie was second best and Latte Hall (Jim Raymer) came up for third.
That was the ninth win in 11 starts this year for Lima Playmate, including a current string of six in a row, and it raised her seasonal earnings to $141,330. Lima Playmate (Credit Winner-Pacific Legacy) is owned by the Lima Playmate Stable and Ray Schnittker, who also trains her.
When asked to compare Lima Playmate to last year’s freshman trotting sensation Jezzy, also trained and driven by Schnittker, he said, “At this point they’re pretty similar although I think this filly [Lima Playmate] is a bit bigger and stronger.”
There were also five divisions of the NYSS Late Closing events for two-year-old trotting fillies worth $12,300, including two non-wagering events. Enough Cash (trained and driven by Doug Ackley) remained perfect when she won in lifetime best 2:02.2. It was a five length, wire-to-wire victory for the undefeated filly that now has 14 consecutive lifetime wins in 2011. She paid $4.20 for the win. Enough Cash is owned by Doug and Tyra Ackley, who also bred her.
In the very next race, Moonglow (Jim Morrill Jr.) went wire-to-wire to score her second consecutive victory in a time of 2:02.2 for trainer Frank Antonacci. This was the lightly raced filly’s sixth lifetime start and the post time favourite returned $3 to her backers for the win. Moonglow is owned by the Fred Monteleone Stable.
The final Late Closer of the evening saw Steuben Lone Pine (Dave Fisher) take advantage of several breakers to take a lead that she would never relinquish. She completed the circuit in 2:03.4, winning by a comfortable length for trainer Mary Fisher and paid $5.50. Steuben Lone Pine is owned by her driver, Dave Fisher.
The winners of the non-wagering Late Closers were: Lady Crown in 2:04, owner Pine Hill Stables, trainer Deedra Johnson, driver Jim McNeight; Love Me Do in 2:03.2, co-owners Albert and Michelle Crawford and Patricia Crawford, trainer-driver Gates Brunet.
(Batavia Downs)