By Shawn Wiles
Monticello Raceway kicked off its 2017 Sire Stakes season on
Tuesday afternoon July 11 with 3 year old trotting fillies on the marque, and
saw drivers Jason Bartlett and Trond Smedshammer each have a driving double.
Barn Bella, the leading money winning 3 year old trotting
filly in the nation was featured in the first race from the rail and Mamora Bay
starting from the 6 hole. As the gate left Barn Bella was content to sit in the
3 hole as Jim Morrill and Heels on Wheels cut the mile through fractions of
29.4, 59.3, at the half Jeff Gregory tipped the 2/5 favorite to the outside and
slowly began her overland route, the field passed the ¾ in 1:28.2. At the top
of the stretch Mamora was mounting her challenge and ranging into contention,
but the diminutive daughter of Conway Hall – Bravissma continued her even speed
and held off Heels On Wheels and Mamora Bay to score her 7th win of
the year in 1:57.1, LQ 28.2. The win gave Barn Bella in excess of $182,000 on
her card thus far in the young 2017 season for owners Steve & Nancy Pratt
and Purple Haze Stables LLC.
In the 2nd division of Sire Stakes competition, favorite
Celebrity Ruth ($2.60) did not disappoint her backers, the Archangel – Celebrity
Obsession filly left from post 2 and was never headed, scoring a wire to wire
win in 1:57.3, trotting her LQ in 28.4, skipping away by 5 lengths over 2nd
place finisher Sevally, who mounted a threat in the last turn, but became rough
gaited and lost all momentum. The win gave Celebrity Ruth her second Sire
Stakes win of the year for owners White Birch Farm, in 6 starts she has 3 wins
and 3 thirds with earnings in excess of $120,000.
Excelsior A
The favorite Seventh Heaven ($3.50) scored a wire to wire
win for trainer Linda Toscano in 1:57.1, the Chapter Seven - Porque filly is
owned by Richard Balog and was driven to victory by Jason Bartlett.
Jason Bartlett scored his 2nd win of the
afternoon with Hotel Royale Starting from PP8. The daughter of RC Royalty –
Dream Ticket left the gate strongly and found a tuck in the 4 hole, she then
came first over at the half to prevail by a head in 2:00.2. She is trained by
George Ducharme for owner KJ Stables LLC of Baldwinsville, NY.
Chapter Review ($19.00) (Chapter Seven – Love Me Two) won in
2:00.1 for trainer Paul Kelly and driven by Mark McDonald. The local
connection, Comfort To A Fool finished 2nd Gary Messenger/Jim
Taggart.
Excelsior B
Barn Sis took a new lifetime mark of 2:00.4, the 18-1
longshot who looked sharp warming up, was driven by (P) driver Cole
Wimmer, the Credit Winner – Baby Im Bad filly, made a bold move at the 5/8ths
pole and grinded out an impressive win over ANJA for winning owners Morrisville
College.
Creditover ($6.00) broke her maiden, the Credit Winner –
Andover filly she was idling 3rd until the 5/8 marker and then
pulled first over to take the lead from pace setter Royal Heiress who finished
2nd, to score in 2:01 for winning owner Purple Haze Stables LLC of
Fairport NY. The win gave Trond Smedshammer his 2nd training and
driving win of the afternoon.
NYSS 3 year old trotting colts and gelding are next on the
Sire Stake calendar on Monday July 17, a total of $543,000 was wagered on today
card.
