Even though the overwhelming majority of the 2 year-old
pacing fillies in the $110,000 New York Sires Stakes were making their first
pari-mutuel starts they raced like veterans. Sassa Hanover, a daughter of Rock
N Roll Heaven turned in the fastest mile of the evening when Jimmy Morrill, Jr.
guided her to a gate to wire two- length triumph in a time of 1:56.3.
It turned out to be the Jimmy Morrill, Jr. show as the
talented reinsman also scored victories with Bettor N Better in 1:58 and Band
of Angels in1:58.3. Mike Lachance won the other NYSS division with She’s
Heavenly in 1:57.3.
But the star of the show was undoubtedly Sassa Hanover who’s
trained by Ron Burke. Undefeated in her two previous baby races over the mile
oval at Gaitway Farm Morrill sent the filly to the lead from the seven hole as
the gate sprung and they took command as they rounded the first turn and sped
by the first stanza in :29.
They were two lengths in front as they passed the halfway
point in :59.1 and up the backside Morrill let out a notch and Sassa Hanover
zoomed by the three quarters in 1:28.2.
As they rounded the final turn Zeke Parker rallied Mosquito
Blue Chip from far back and challenged the leader but Sassa Hanover
kicked in a :28.1 final quarter and was a solid two length winner over Parker’s
filly in 1:56.3.
“I’ve been waiting for her all night,” Morrill said of
Sassa Hanover who was in the 10th and final race on the card. “I
love this filly. She’s big and strong and surprisingly well-mannered (for a
youngster). Believe me, she’s the real deal.”
Owned by Burke Racing Panhellenic Stable and Weaver-Buscemi
Sassa Hanover paid $6.30 for win.
Morrill’s first victory came with another Ron Burke- trainee when he sat the
pocket and rallied to victory down the passing lane to score with Band Of
Angels, another daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven. But a :28.2 last quarter
was needed for the neck triumph over Zip Code Envy, driven by Mark MacDonald.
Band Of Angels is owned by W J Donovan who returned
a$5.80 win mutuel.
Morrill also scored with the good looking Bettor
Delight filly, Bettor N Better. After gaining command at the quarter in
:29.1 Morrill yielded the lead and waited patiently in fourth position as
he searched for daylight. When the field headed for home Morrill found
room on the inside and rallied the filly to a one length victory over
Heaven’s Legacy and driver Brent Holland.
The victory gave trainer Ron Burke hi third win on the card.
Bettor N Better is owned by Blue Chip Bloodstock and Our Horse Cents
Stable. She paid $4.70 for win.
Mike Lachance and She’s Heavenly made a laugher out of
their division as they romped to an easy wire to
wire five- length triumph over
Fan Mail and Jimmy Morrill, Jr.
She’s Heavenly is owned and trained by Bob Horowitz. She
paid $3.10 for win.
