The Meadows: Crantini, Kenobi best in PA Sire Stakes divisions

Crantini idled while the field settled, then powered to the point and drew off late to keep his two-race career unblemished in Wednesday's $152,430 Pennsylvania Sire Stake at The Meadows. Kenobi captured the other split in the event, known as the Hickory Pride, for freshman colt and gelding trotters.

Crantini launched his career with a 1:56 4/5 win - from post eight - in a PA All-Stars division at Pocono and was sent off the 3-5 favorite as a result. But even though he appeared parked early, winning driver Scott Zeron indicated that was not at all the case.

"He's a really talented horse, and I thought the only way I would lose the race was by making a miscue early," Zeron said. "So my intent was to not rush him out of the gate is all it was. I waited for him to get his feet underneath him and pressed on to the front. He's super-nice, and he has three lungs. We're just hoping he siill loves his job every week. He's a chestnut; I hope nobody tells him that."

The son of International Moni-Peach Martini had little trouble repelling the first-over challenge of Southwind Distilld, downing him by three lengths in 1:56 2/5. Herodotus earned show.

Megan Scran trains Crantini for Thestable Crantini Group.

Kenobi scored a front-end, maiden-breaking victory in 1:57 3/5, thwarting a sustained uncovered challenge by Spitfire Oversees. Drive To Deliver was second, a length back, with Sinatra De Vie third. Winning driver Tim Tetrick said the point was not necessarily where he wanted to be.

"Last week he ran going to the gate because he threw his head," Tetrick said. "He started doing it again, so I just turned him loose. He's really no good on the lead; he just goes to sleep. He wasn't very brave out there today, but I kept pecking at him and talking to him. He's meant to be a nice horse. I think he'll be a much better 3-year-old because he's like a big kid now."

Marcus Melander conditions the son of Father Patrick-Passageway for Courant Inc.

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$60,000 PA Stallion Series - 2-Year-Old Colt & Gelding Trotters

Canadians observe Dominion Day - now known as Canada Day - each July 1. On Wednesday, a pair of Canada-born horsemen, driver Anthony MacDonald and trainer Tim Twaddle, celebrated Domination Day, sweeping all three splits with Austral Hanover, Tailgate Buzz and Fashion Presidente.

As if that weren’t enough, Crantini, who races for one of MacDonald's fractional ownership groups, captured his PASS division to remain undefeated.

Twaddle said he couldn't remember sweeping anything previously - as a trainer or a driver.

"Listen," he said, "it's always fun to win. I'm real happy. I can't take much credit. Anthony sends them here, and they're good to go."

Of the trio, Austral Hanover was most impressive, powering to the top at the quarter and crushing the field by 6 3/4 lengths in a career-best 1:57 2/5. Lookintogetlucky and Alonso rounded out the ticket.

"I think he's on the cusp of breaking through to the sires stakes," Twaddle said. "In fact, we discussed putting him there and trying him, but we opted for the more conversative route to let him develop. Anthony is very patient. He lets them let him know when it's time."

--press release (MSOA)--