Monticello: Gigi Hanover, Royal Filly rule in New York Sire Stakes

Gigi Hanover and Royal Filly, both by sire Chapter Seven, were victorious in two New York Sire Stakes splits for 3-year-old trotting fillies that were featured on Monday's program at Monticello Raceway.

Driven by Mark MacDonald in the opening $60,300 tilt, Gigi Hanover took the lead away from On The House (Sarah Svanstedt) nearing the 30 1/5 opening quarter and then kept the tempo easy through a 59 4/5 half and a 1:29 three-quarters. Canterbury Hanover (Jeff Gregory) made a first-over move from third that brought her alongside Gigi Hanover on the final bend, but Gigi Hanover accelerated in the stretch and pulled away to defeat Canterbury Hanover by 2 1/4 lengths in 1:57 3/5. On The House held third.

Bred by Hanover Shoe Farms, Gigi Hanover is trained by Ake Svanstedt for owner Mellby Gard Inc. This was her second career victory, and she has now earned $142,307. She paid $2.90 to win as the 2-5 favorite.

► Sign up for our FREE DRF Harness Digest Newsletter

The other $59,200 flight looked very similar as Royal Filly (Tyler Buter) got away in the pocket from post one, but she was out and on the move to wrestle the top spot from Jean's Action (Jim Devaux) prior to the 29 2/5 opening quarter. Royal Filly never had an anxious moment from there as she clicked off the half in 59 seconds, got separation on the others en route to the 1:28 2/5 three-quarters, and continued to pour it on to the wire, prevailing by ten lengths in 1:57 flat. Destiny's Darling (Jordan Stratton) overcame an early break and closed from fifth to second, and Midwind Success (Marcus Miller) grabbed third.

Royal Filly, bred by Jonas Schlabach, is trained by Tony Alagna for owner Crawford Farms Racing. She is now a four-time winner from 17 lifetime starts, has put away $195,784 and returned $2.30 to win as the 1-9 favorite.