The Meadows: Facile first-place finishes for Kissin In The Sand, Alexa's Power

Kissin In The Sand (1-9) and Alexa's Power (1-5) didn't let down their legions of backers in the pair of $80,119 Pennsylvania Sire Stakes sections for sophomore pacing fillies on Friday night at The Meadows.

With Dave Palone in the bike, Kissin In The Sand advanced up on the outside to take control at the 27 1/5 opening quarter in the first division. After backing down the tempo to 56 2/5 at the half, Kissin In The Sand paced a 54 3/5 back half (27 2/5 third quarter, 27 1/5 on the end) to win by 3 1/2 lengths over Parisian Blue Chip (Tim Tetrick), who was no match from first-over. Double A Mint (Andrew McCarthy) followed the cover of the runner-up and finished third.

Nancy Johansson trains Kissin In The Sand, a daughter of Somebeachsomewhere, for owners Marvin Katz and Hatfield Stables. This was Kissin In The Sand's 13th career victory, including tallies in this year's Lynch Memorial and Mistletoe Shalee finals, and she has now earned $675,056. Kissin In The Sand paid $2.10 to win and place with no show wagering offered.

“This year, she’s pretty laid back. Last year, she could be a pain,” said Johansson. “She wanted to do everything her way. This year, we’ve come to an agreement: I let her get her way sometimes, she lets me get my way sometimes. I think she was pretty much well in hand today. She looks like she’s coming into the final nice and strong.”

In the second split, Alexa's Power (Tetrick) started from the outside post seven but drove on to the point beyond the 26 3/5 first quarter. Alexa's Power would go on to post a half in 55 1/5 and a three-quarters in 1:23 3/5, and a 28 2/5 final kicker got her to the wire a length and a quarter to the good over Apple Hanover (Eddie Dennis) in a 1:52 mile. Early leader Sansovina Hanover (McCarthy) wound up third.

Alexa's Power, trained by Jim Campbell for co-owner/breeder Jeffrey Snyder and co-owner Michael Snyder, completed double in the sire stakes action for the late Somebeachsomewhere. Alexa's Power made her tenth appearance in the winner's circle, and she has now banked $359,835. Alexa's Power returned $2.40 to win.

“That was a pretty tough first quarter, but she’s been pretty good lately,” said Campbell. “We’ve been thrilled with her this year. She puts in a great effort every time.”

--quotes courtesy of The Meadows--