Raising Rachel improved her unbeaten streak to six with another flawless effort in one of three divisions of the Champlain Stakes for two-year-old filly trotters on Monday night at Mohawk Racetrack.
The other divisional winners were Stonebridge Diva and Seaside, who turned in the fastest clocking with a powerful 1:56.1 victory.
Raising Rachel, with Jack Moiseyev driving, used a different approach in winning in her $96,508 by sitting off the pace in fourth throughout much of the mile before making a move to the outside just past the half which was reached in a moderate 1:00.2.
Despite the long uncovered trip, the daughter of Yankee Glide worked her way up to within a length of the pacesetting Missys Doubt Fire at the third station in 1:30.
At that point, Moiseyev asked his charge for more and Raising Rachel responded with a strong :28.1 final quarter to win by almost two lengths in 1:58.1. Elusive Desire rallied for second with Tuscan Gal landing the show spot.
The John Kopas trainee improved her seasonal bankroll to just over $120,000 for owners Mel Hartman, K R Stable and Doug Millard of Ontario and George Hempt of Pennsylvania. Her next start will come in the Peaceful Way eliminations at Mohawk on Monday, September 8.
Stonebridge Diva used similar tactics to capture her $96,508 division for Randy Waples in 1:58.2. The daughter of Angus Hall wore down the tempo-setting Yursa Hanover as the field turned for home and then easily held off Neiths Song who narrowly landed the place spot over Celebrity Blueyes.
It was the third win in just five outings this season for the Gro Formia trainee and improved her seasonal earnings to just over $130,000 for owners Angie Stiller of Ontario and Robert Kauffman of Ohio. The filly is also eligible to the upcoming Peaceful Way.
Seaside took full advantage of Post 1 for driver Jody Jamieson and wired the field with authority in the final $98,508 split. The daughter of Yankee Glide was under no urging coming to the finish as she repelled an impressive late rally from Windsong Soprano with Ill Wait For You finishing third.
The filly, trained by Jonas Czernyson now shows five wins in eight starts this season for owner Thomas Dillon of Anson, ME. The lion's share of the purse vaulted her past $87,000 in seasonal earnings and her clocking was just one-fifth off of the Champlain Stakes record.
Seaside is also expected to enter the Peaceful Way eliminations.
(WEG)
To view Monday's results, click here.