Freehold: Favorites defeated in NJ Sire Stakes finals

On paper, Play Trix On Me and Common Sense looked much the best in their respective New Jersey Sire Stakes - Standardbred Development Fund finals for 2-year-old trotters on Friday at Freehold Raceway. However, things played out much differently on the track.

Kyrie Deo stunned the field in the 2-year-old colts and geldings final, winning by 2 1/4 lengths at 21-1. The winner of a division of the second leg last week, he got a ground-saving trip, rating in the three-hole behind early leaders Light Blue Movers and Barley. Nearing three-quarters, driver Atlee Bender angled him out for a first-over move. Kyrie Deo was able to sustain that rally, and got by Light Blue Movers in the stretch to win. He went in 1:59 2/5 for the mile for trainer John Butenschoen.

Play Trix On Me, who went off at 1-5 despite post position eight, was in fourth early, got parked near the half-mile point, and failed to get a rally going. He finished fourth, beaten four lengths.

In the 2-year-old filly final, the complexion dramatically changed on the first turn when 4/5 favorite Common Sense went off-stride. She quickly recovered and made up lots of ground up the backstretch the first time before breaking again nearing the half. Although she behaved herself the rest of the way, it proved to be too late, and she ended up fifth.

Meanwhile, Tricky Sister sat a perfect trip in the pocket off early leader Heart N Soul Deo. On the final turn, driver Daniel Dube angled Tricky Sister out for clear sailing, and she rolled on by for an easy 4 1/4 length win in 1:59 3/5.

This was the first win in nine starts for the Robert Key-owned filly, who is trained by Andrew Harris. Last week, she was second in the second leg of the series behind Common Sense, but had no problem turning the tables here. She paid $12.40.

--press release (Freehold)--