Meadowlands: Kissin In The Sand romps in Mistletoe Shalee

Kissin In The Sand, coming off a brilliant victory in the Lynch two weeks ago, was even more impressive in capturing the $191,800 Mistletoe Shalee at the Meadowlands on Saturday night. Scott Zeron made no mistakes in the race contested at a mile and one eighth and scored by open lengths in a 2:04 1/5 clocking for the added distance.

Louis-Philippe Roy jetted Sansovina Hanover from the outset and took quick control as 3-5 choice Kissin In The Sand and second choice Youaremycandygirl vied for position, with the former securing the front before the turn and forcing her rival to take a seat.

The field of a dozen gave deference to the chalk, and Zeron was able to control the fractions of 55 1/5, 1:24 and 1:50 4/5 as Believe In Me made little headway coming up without cover on the backstretch.

Once off the final bend Zeron sent the Nancy Johansson-trained daughter of Somebeachsomewhere into high gear and opened up ground on her rival, winning in convincing fashion. Youaremycandygirl edged off the rail for Yannick Gingras, but struggled to keep with the winner, and held the place late over a charging Alexa's Power. Widsom Tree, the third choice in the large field, had to settle for fourth after coming a long way back as well.

Kissin In The Sand returned $3.40 as the favorite and won for the fourth time in six sophomore starts for owners Marvin Katz and Hatfield Stables.

"She felt strong today," said Zeron of the filly who won the Lynch parked every step of the way, "I wanted to put her in front, and she felt like she was loaded entering the stretch."

Trainer Johansson was quite happy with the effort.

"It was pretty easy. Sometimes this game is hard and sometimes easy," Johansson said.

Kissin In The Sand goes in the Shady Daisy next on Hambletonian Day.