Meadowlands: Millies Possesion, When Dovescry tops in Hambletonian Oaks elims

It looked for a brief moment that Millies Possesion's undefeated streak to begin her career was going to come to a close but at the last moment driver Dexter Dunn urged the Possess The Will filly on, and that was enough to hold off a determined bid by Evident Beauty. The nose decision in the first of two $50,000 Hambletonian Oaks eliminations at the Meadowlands on Saturday could pay off in the draw for the $500,000 final on August 3.

Dunn wasted no time leaving from post eight with the 4-5 Millies Possesion, but there was inside activity as well as Seaside Bliss took charge before yielding to Sonnet Grace in a moderate 28 second opening quarter. Dunn sent his filly to the front nearly three-eighths into the mile and from that point very little changed. With fractions of 56 and 1:25 2/5 in the middle half, Evident Beauty and Starita formed the outer tier into the final bend before Sonnet Grace pulled the pocket to go after the leader.

Millies Possesion quickly shifted into high gear and disposed of the first challenge, but Evident Beauty and driver David Miller were in flight and appeared ready to overtake the favorite in the final yards. Both drivers urged their fillies on, with the Jim Campbell-trained Millies Possesion earning the decision in a 1:52 3/5 mile. Evident Beauty was followed by Queen Of Trixs, who closed well between horses after saving ground. Asiago rallied late off a cover trip for fourth, and Sonnet Grace held on to the final berth.

Fashion Farms owns and bred Millies Possesion, a $3.60 winner.

"There was less action early," said Dunn following the race. "I thought we were beat, but she stuck her head out."

When Dovescry, runner-up in last year's Breeders Crown, made her stakes debut for 2019 in the second $50,000 Oaks elimination and was most impressive, winning in 1:51 3/5 for trainer Rene Allard and his driving brother Simon.

Southwind Casha, at 25-1, blasted out of the gate for Scott Zeron to take control and extended her lead in a 26 4/5 opening quarter before waiting for the 3-1 When Dovescry and Allard to clear well before the 56 second first-half clocking. Beautiful Sin, with Dexter Dunn, attempted to advance without cover, but her bid stalled as Allard accelerated and hit three-quarters in 1:24 2/5. Into the homestretch When Dovescry opened up on the field while bearing out but won in-hand. Southwind Casha held solidly in second, while Princess Deo rallied between horses late to nail the show spot. Miss Trixton and Sweet Chapter completed the five that return for the final.

"We've been racing her easy, pointing for this race," said Simon Allard. "Brandon Simpson (second trainer) told me she trained super this week."

When Dovescry is owned by Go Fast Stable, Y. Sarazin, K. Singh and L. Dumain. The filly by Muscle Hill has now won half of her dozen career starts.

Don't Let'em bounced back in a big way after a break in stride in the Stanley Dancer two weeks back, capturing the $81,2000 W.N. Reynolds for sophomore male trotters in 1;50 2/5. Last year's Peter Haughton Memorial winner overcame an overland journey that began from post ten to roll by 9-5 favorite Swandre The Giant while trotting a 27 1/5 final quarter. Yannick Gingras drove the son of Muscle Hill for trainer Nancy Johansson.