Harrah's Hoosier Park: Stretch surge propels Fresh Face Yankee to Crossroads Of America crown

Returning to form at the right time, supplemental entry Fresh Face Yankee played the role of spoiler with pilot and trainer Jay Cross pulling off the upset in the Grade 3 $140,000 Crossroads Of America for 3-year-old filly trotters on Friday night at Harrah's Hoosier Park.

Near the middle of the pack in post six, Fresh Face Yankee navigated the early breakers out of the wings and settled seventh on the first turn with Emmas Mystery Ccl emerging on top to cut the opening quarter in 27 seconds. Leading Lady (Dexter Dunn) transitioned to the helm at the half-mile pole in 55 4/5 as Fresh Face Yankee took her time in sixth through the three-quarters while Emmas Mystery Ccl flipped back in front in 1:25.

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Turning for home, four fillies were in with a shot as Emmas Mystery Ccl came under fire from Help Cum Laude (Atlee Bender), with For Dayze (John De Long) and Fresh Face Yankee beginning to tower up on the outside. Shot out of a cannon late, Fresh Face Yankee surged in the final stages widest of all with a 26 4/5 last quarter to tag For Dayze at the wire by a neck in 1:52 4/5. Help Cum Laude was third, just three-quarters of a length back at 47-1, with Emmas Mystery Ccl finishing a close fourth.

The victorious Crescent Fashion-Swan Yankee filly is owned by Timothy Smith while being bred by Fashion Hill Farm. Fresh Face Yankee added to her bank account, hitting $303,585 in lifetime earnings with her ninth win of the season in 13 tries. Fresh Face Yankee paid $27.40 to win.

--press release (Harrah's Hoosier Park)--