Vernon Downs played host to three divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for two-year-old trotting fillies on Saturday (Aug. 15).
Destined To Dance outdueled Dream Chapter to win the $33,600 first division.
Me Three got the first call but the lead was short lived when Dream Chapter took over and led to the first quarter in :26.4. Dream Chapter continued to lead to the half in :57.1, where Destined To Dance made her first-over move from fourth. She took the lead but could not clear going around the final turn, leaving Destined To Dance in front to three-quarters in 1:25.4.
The battle began as they reached the stretch. Destined to Dance and Dream Chapter were shoulder-to-shoulder battling back and forth, neither one giving an inch. Destined To Dance used one last surge to win in a lifetime best of 1:54.4. Dream Chapter had to settle for second. Me Three finished third.
Destined To Dance is a filly by Chapter Seven-Go Go Dancer. John Butenschoen trains for owners Crawford Farms Racing, Heritage Standardbreds, and Rich Preziotti.She has won four-straight NYSS races. Tyler Buter drove the $3.10 winner.
Aela Jamieson rallied late to take the $34,200 second division.
Tranquility K stormed to the front and led to the first quarter in :28. Insured AM S took control right after the quarter and snagged a slight breather to a :57.3 half. Avant Garde soon made a move for the top as they headed for the final turn while Insured AM S held on to a short lead by three-quarters in 1:27.3.
Aela Jamieson was second-over in fourth as they made the turn for home. She came three wide down the stretch and blew right by to win in a lifetime best of 1:56.2. Insured AM S held on for second. Tranquility K was third best.
Aela Jamieson is a filly by Chapter Seven-Blk Thai Optional. Julie Miller trains for owners Andy Miller Stable, Dumain Haven Farm, and Little E LLC. It was her first win in three starts. Andy Miller drove the $5.40 winner.
Iteration captured the $33,600 third division.
Iteration darted to the front with main rival Splash Blue Chip following in the pocket. Iteration led to the first quarter in :27.1 and slowed the tempo towards a :58.1 half. She continued to control the race hitting three-quarters in 1:28.
As they reached the stretch Splash Blue Chip popped out of the pocket and gave everything she had, but had to settle for second as Iteration won in a lifetime best of 1:55.2. Moni For Lindy was third.
Iteration is a filly by Chapter Seven-Steamy Windows. She is a full sister to two-time NYSS champion Gimpanzee. She is owned by Courant Inc. and trained by Marcus Melander. It was her second win in three starts.Brian Sears drove the $3.00 winner.
Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (Aug. 21) featuring the Zweig Memorial starting at 3:00 p.m. (EDT).
(Vernon Downs)