The Meadows: Ella Christina, Blazin Britches victorious in Adioo Volo splits

Three-year-old pacing fillies competed in a pair of Adioo Volo tests on Saturday afternoon at The Meadows, with the victories going to 50-1 longshot Ella Christina and Blazin Britches.

Even-money choice Rosemary Rose (Mike Wilder) led the way through fractions of 28, 56 3/5, and 1:24 3/5 in the first $62,475 division, but Ella Christina (Jim Pantaleano), who was sixth at three-quarters, improved her position on the inside on the final turn and rallied up the passing lane in the stretch to win by half a length in 1:52 2/5. Colorful Jasmine (Corey Callahan) was second from a two-hole trip, and Rosemary Rose had to settle for third.

Trainer Nick Surick also co-owns Ella Christina, a Western Ideal filly, with partners J L Benson Stables Inc., William Daggett Jr., and Lawrence Vukovic. This was her fifth career victory, and she has now earned $97,564. She paid $114.80 to win.

In the other $63,475 section Fan Hanover champion Bettor's Up (Brett Miller) chopped out an opening quarter in 26 4/5 and a half in 55 1/5, but Blazin Britches (Trace Tetrick) came with a rush out of the third spot in the backstretch, and she would clear Bettor's Up for the top spot before the 1:22 3/5 three-quarters. There would be no catching Blazin Britches from there, as she reported home on top by about 2 1/2 lengths in 1:50 1/5. Bettor's Up, who was making her first pari-mutuel start since the Lynch final, wound up second, and Brazuca (Callahan) came in third.

Brian Brown trains Blazin Britches, a daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven, for owner/breeder Emerald Highlands Farm. Winless in one rookie try, Blazin Britches sports a record of 7-1-0 from eight starts this season, and she has put away $66,987. The 9-5 second choice, she returned $5.60 to win.